By Stella Odueme
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has intensified efforts to curb vandalism of power infrastructure through a sensitization campaign held in Lambata Community, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to the General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, in a statement on Tuesday, the awareness programme, aimed at protecting transmission facilities and ensuring a more reliable electricity supply across the country, brought together traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager, Transmission, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, said the campaign was prompted by the growing incidence of attacks on transmission infrastructure, describing the trend as unprecedented.
He noted that vandalism continues to undermine efforts to improve power supply and expand the national transmission network.
According to him, vandals often dispose of stolen transmission components for insignificant sums, while their actions leave entire communities without electricity.
He warned that prolonged outages could have serious implications for critical services such as healthcare facilities and other institutions that depend on stable power supply.
Shuaibu further explained that funds meant for network expansion and new projects are frequently redirected to repair and replace damaged infrastructure, thereby slowing the growth of Nigeria’s power sector.
He also cautioned that vandalism can be fatal, as perpetrators risk electrocution while tampering with live installations.
Representing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), DSE Adah Ngbede stressed that vandalism carries severe legal consequences, warning that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.
He urged residents to join efforts to protect power facilities, emphasizing that electricity supply depends on the safety of transmission infrastructure.
The District Head of Izom, Alhaji Ibrahim A. Salihu, called on residents to embrace TCN’s partnership initiative and regard transmission facilities as community assets. Addressing participants in Hausa, he urged vigilance and closer collaboration with security agencies to safeguard the installations.
Also speaking, ASP Galadima Edward, representing the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), encouraged residents to report suspicious activities around transmission towers and power facilities.
He assured the community of the police’s readiness to act promptly on credible information and work with other security agencies to prevent vandalism.
TCN said the campaign is designed to educate communities on the dangers and economic impact of vandalizing electricity infrastructure while promoting greater public participation in protecting critical national assets.
The sensitization programme will continue through stakeholder engagements, awareness campaigns, and sustained advocacy aimed at securing transmission infrastructure for the benefit of Nigerians.
Participants at the event included representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, to Vigilante Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Niger State Road Traffic Management Agency (NISTMA), traditional institutions, community leaders, and members of the media.
