Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has intensified its fight against vandalism of power infrastructure with a sensitization campaign held in Lambata Community, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The awareness programme was aimed at educating residents on the dangers of vandalizing transmission facilities and the need to protect electricity infrastructure for improved power supply across the country.
Speaking during the event, the General Manager, Transmission, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, said the campaign became necessary due to the rising cases of attacks on transmission installations.
He explained that the activities of vandals have continued to disrupt electricity supply, as stolen components are sold for little value while communities suffer prolonged power outages.
Engr. Shuaibu noted that such outages negatively affect critical services, including healthcare facilities, and also divert funds meant for expanding Nigeria’s power transmission network into replacing damaged equipment.
He further warned that vandalism of transmission facilities is not only a criminal act but also a dangerous one, as perpetrators risk severe injuries or death through electrocution.
Also speaking, the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, represented by DSE Adah Ngbede, warned that anyone caught vandalizing TCN facilities would face the full weight of the law.
The NSCDC representative urged residents to support efforts to safeguard power assets, stressing that protecting transmission infrastructure is a shared responsibility.
The District Head of Izom, Alhaji Ibrahim A. Salihu, appealed to community members to collaborate with TCN and security agencies by reporting suspicious activities around transmission lines and towers.
Similarly, the representative of the Divisional Police Officer, ASP Galadima Edward, assured residents of the police readiness to respond swiftly to credible information that could prevent vandalism.
The campaign brought together security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders, with a call for greater public involvement in protecting transmission facilities.
TCN says the sensitization programme will continue across communities as part of measures to ensure a safer and more reliable electricity supply nationwide.