TCN, NSCDC, Telecom Firms Deepen Collaboration to Protect Critical Infrastructure in Edo
Oru Leonard
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), telecommunications operators and other key stakeholders have strengthened collaboration to safeguard critical power transmission and fibre optic infrastructure from vandalism and accidental damage in Edo State.
The stakeholders’ engagement meeting, convened by the Edo State Command of the NSCDC on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, brought together representatives from the power, telecommunications and construction sectors to address the growing challenge of vandalism, illegal excavation and other activities threatening critical national infrastructure.
Speaking at the meeting, TCN’s Principal Manager, Telecommunications, Engr. Onya W. Chukwuma, described Benin as a strategic electricity transmission hub linking several parts of the country. He explained that TCN’s transmission towers support both electricity transmission and fibre optic telecommunications infrastructure, stressing that any damage to the facilities could disrupt essential services and endanger lives and property.
Chukwuma commended the NSCDC for its sustained efforts in protecting TCN installations and called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, telecommunications companies, construction firms and other stakeholders to ensure the safety of critical national assets.
Earlier, the Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical infrastructure across the state. He expressed concern over the increasing cases of fibre optic cable cuts caused by excavation activities, revealing that 25 suspects had been arrested in connection with offences related to infrastructure vandalism and damage.
To improve coordination and facilitate rapid response to incidents, participants resolved to establish a dedicated WhatsApp platform for real-time information sharing among stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, MTN, Airtel, Globacom (Glo), T2 Mobile, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), construction companies, the Fiber Optic Cable Maintenance Engineers Association, as well as officials from relevant federal and Edo State government agencies.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration aimed at protecting Nigeria’s critical infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted electricity and telecommunications services.
