TCN Intensifies Anti-Vandalism Campaign in Niger Community
Oru Leonard
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has intensified efforts to curb vandalism of power infrastructure with a sensitization campaign held in Lambata Community, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The campaign, which focused on protecting transmission installations and preventing encroachment on transmission line right-of-way corridors, is part of TCN’s broader strategy to safeguard critical electricity infrastructure and ensure a more reliable bulk power supply across the country.
Speaking during the event, TCN General Manager, Transmission, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, commended traditional rulers, security agencies and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative. He explained that the sensitization programme was necessitated by the growing incidence of vandalism targeting transmission facilities, describing the frequency of such attacks as unprecedented.
According to him, the destruction and theft of transmission components often result in widespread power outages, with severe consequences for hospitals, businesses and other essential services that depend on stable electricity.
He noted that while vandals often sell stolen components for insignificant amounts, their actions inflict huge losses on the nation and force the diversion of funds meant for network expansion and new power projects toward repairs and replacement of damaged infrastructure.
Shuaibu also warned that vandalism poses serious safety risks, including electrocution, which has claimed the lives of some perpetrators in the course of carrying out the illegal acts.
Representing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Deputy Superintendent of Corps Education (DSE) Adah Ngbede stressed that vandalism remains a criminal offence with serious consequences. He assured residents that anyone caught sabotaging electricity infrastructure would be prosecuted.
He urged communities to work closely with security agencies in protecting power installations, emphasizing that uninterrupted electricity supply depends on the safety of TCN facilities.
The District Head of Izom, Alhaji Ibrahim A. Salihu, called on residents to embrace TCN’s partnership approach and take ownership of transmission infrastructure located within their communities.
Addressing participants in Hausa, the traditional ruler urged community members to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities around transmission facilities.
Similarly, a representative of the Divisional Police Officer, ASP Galadima Edward, encouraged residents to promptly alert authorities to any unusual movement around transmission towers and other power installations. He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to working with other security agencies to prevent vandalism and respond swiftly to credible intelligence.
TCN said the campaign is designed to educate communities on the dangers and far-reaching effects of vandalizing electricity transmission infrastructure while fostering greater public participation in protecting national assets.
The sensitization exercise attracted representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, Vigilante Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Niger State Road Traffic Management Agency (NISTMA), traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the media.
The company said similar stakeholder engagements and awareness campaigns would continue across communities as part of efforts to safeguard transmission infrastructure and strengthen electricity supply nationwide.
