By Saminu Ibrahim
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Port Harcourt Region, has raised concerns over the increasing vandalism of transmission infrastructure and encroachment on its Right of Way (RoW) in Alaoji, Aba, Abia State.
The concerns were raised during a community awareness campaign held on August 28, 2026, in Alaoji, within Ugwunagbo Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the engagement, the Assistant General Manager, Aba Sub-Region, Engr. Juliet Ndi Ukomadu, warned that youths in some communities repeatedly vandalise TCN earthing wires, cables and tower members, a practice she said could trigger the collapse of multiple transmission towers.
Ukomadu urged community leaders, youths and other stakeholders to break their silence on infrastructure sabotage and promptly report suspicious activities around TCN installations.
She also sensitised residents to the dangers associated with vandalising electricity infrastructure and constructing buildings within transmission corridors.
She advised residents to desist from erecting structures under transmission lines, warning that such activities pose serious risks to lives, property and the stability of electricity supply.
Also speaking, the Head of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Etang Edike, assured participants that anyone caught vandalising critical power infrastructure would face the full weight of the law.
Edike disclosed that the NSCDC had stationed a dedicated patrol vehicle and six armed personnel in the area, who could be deployed to any location upon receiving reports of suspected vandalism.
He therefore urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements around transmission installations to security agencies.
On his part, the traditional ruler of Ekiti Akoma Ngwa Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Elder Promise Oguibe, assured the TCN of the community’s commitment to protecting transmission infrastructure passing through the area.
Participants drawn from various communities also pledged their support and cooperation with the TCN and security agencies to safeguard transmission facilities serving their communities.
