TCN Rallies Ogun Communities Against Power Infrastructure Vandalism The Transmission Company of Nigeria, Lagos Region, has intensified its campaign against vandalism of electricity infrastructure with a public sensitisation programme held in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State. The awareness initiative, organised on Wednesday, May 14, 2026, brought together traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders and residents to educate the public on the dangers of vandalising transmission installations, erecting structures under transmission line Right of Way (RoW), and excavating around transmission towers. Speaking during the programme, the General Manager (Transmission), Lagos Region, Engr. Adeshina Adeonipekun, revealed that the company recorded no fewer than 276 cases of tower vandalism between 2022 and 2025. According to him, improved collaboration with host communities and proactive measures by TCN personnel have significantly reduced incidents of vandalism this year. “This year, with the support of communities and the proactiveness of our staff, we have been able to reduce vandalism cases to about 40,” Adeonipekun stated. He explained that TCN has continued to adopt multiple strategies to protect critical transmission assets, noting that community engagement and public sensitisation remain central to the company’s efforts. The TCN official also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser and security agencies for supporting efforts to apprehend vandals involved in attacks on transmission infrastructure. Also speaking, Principal Manager (Lines), Engr. Kuye Emmanuel, disclosed that TCN has strengthened surveillance around transmission corridors through community-based security arrangements. “Apart from this awareness programme, we engage private vigilantes across communities and zones, who are paid monthly to help safeguard our transmission lines,” he said. He further explained that the company provides incentives to farmers and residents in host communities to encourage cooperation and prompt reporting of suspicious activities around transmission facilities. In his remarks, the Olu of Itori Land, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, commended TCN for sustaining the sensitisation initiative and appealed for more regular engagement with host communities. “This awareness programme is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The last edition was held here in Itori about four years ago, and we appreciate TCN for returning to engage our people again. We appeal that it should be organised at least once every year,” the monarch said. Oba Akamo added that Baales across the 127 communities under his domain have continued to monitor activities around transmission infrastructure to prevent acts of vandalism. The District Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Itori Command, Mrs. Olusola Balogun, warned residents against participating in or supporting vandalism, stressing that offenders risk imprisonment upon conviction. “Vandalism is a criminal offence which can lead to imprisonment if offenders are found guilty by a court of law. Some people aid and contribute to vandalism knowingly or unknowingly, and this must stop,” she warned. Balogun noted that vandalism of power infrastructure could trigger widespread power outages, weaken economic activities and create security concerns. Similarly, the Divisional Police Officer of Itori Police Station, CSP Dapo Ojekunle, urged residents to support security agencies with credible information on suspected vandals operating within their communities. “Most of these vandals are very clever. If we see anyone vandalising the infrastructure, residents should report them immediately,” he said. He also advised residents not to harbour vandals or conceal stolen materials, while encouraging complainants and witnesses to follow reported cases through the legal process to ensure successful prosecution. The statement was signed by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs, TCN.