TCN Battles Infrastructure Sabotage, Enlists Niger Community in Anti-Vandalism Campaign

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has intensified its fight against the vandalism of critical power infrastructure, mobilising residents of Lambata Community in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State to help protect electricity transmission facilities from sabotage.

The campaign, which focused on the dangers of vandalising transmission assets and encroaching on transmission line right-of-way corridors, is part of TCN’s nationwide effort to secure power infrastructure and ensure stable electricity supply to homes, businesses and industries.

Addressing stakeholders during the sensitisation exercise, the General Manager, Transmission, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, lamented the growing rate of attacks on transmission facilities across the country, describing the trend as alarming and detrimental to national development.

He said the destruction of transmission installations not only plunges communities into darkness but also weakens efforts to improve power supply and expand the national grid.

According to him, funds earmarked for network expansion and infrastructure upgrades are often redirected to repair and replace vandalised equipment, slowing progress in the power sector.

“Those who vandalise these facilities often sell stolen components for insignificant amounts, yet their actions leave entire communities without electricity and disrupt critical services such as healthcare delivery,” he said.

Shuaibu also warned of the life-threatening consequences of tampering with high-voltage installations, noting that many vandals have lost their lives through electrocution while carrying out such illegal activities.

Speaking at the event, a representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), DSE Adah Ngbede, vowed that perpetrators would be tracked down and prosecuted, stressing that the protection of power infrastructure is vital to national development.

He urged residents to support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements around transmission facilities, adding that uninterrupted electricity supply depends on the safety of TCN assets.

The District Head of Izom, Alhaji Ibrahim A. Salihu, called on community members to take ownership of the infrastructure located within their communities, describing transmission facilities as public assets that directly benefit the people.

He encouraged residents to remain vigilant and work closely with security agencies to prevent vandalism and other criminal activities targeting power installations.

Also speaking, the representative of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), ASP Galadima Edward, assured residents of the police’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and responding swiftly to credible intelligence.

TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, said the awareness campaign forms part of the company’s broader strategy to build community partnerships in safeguarding transmission infrastructure nationwide.

She noted that the sensitisation exercise would continue through stakeholder engagements, public awareness programmes and sustained advocacy aimed at reducing vandalism and strengthening the reliability of Nigeria’s power transmission network.

The event drew participation from 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.