By Jabiru Hassan
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has conducted a sensitisation campaign against the vandalism of transmission infrastructure and illegal activities within transmission line right-of-way corridors in Lambata Community, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The campaign is part of TCN’s ongoing efforts to safeguard critical power infrastructure and ensure a more reliable bulk electricity supply across the country.
In his welcome address, the General Manager, Transmission, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, thanked traditional rulers, security agencies and other stakeholders for honouring the company’s invitation to the awareness programme.
He explained that the sensitisation exercise was necessitated by the increasing cases of vandalism targeting transmission facilities across the country, describing the trend as unprecedented.
According to him, vandals often sell stolen transmission components for insignificant amounts, while their actions leave entire communities without electricity and disrupt essential services.
Engr. Shuaibu noted that prolonged power outages can have serious consequences, particularly for hospitals and other critical institutions that rely on stable electricity supply.
He added that vandalism also hampers the development of the nation’s power sector, as resources meant for network expansion and infrastructure upgrades are diverted to the replacement of damaged facilities.
He further warned that acts of vandalism can be fatal, as perpetrators sometimes suffer electrocution while attempting to tamper with power installations.
Speaking at the event, the representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, DSE Adah Ngbede, cautioned against vandalism and warned that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.
He stressed the importance of protecting electricity infrastructure, noting that the stability of power supply depends on the safety of transmission facilities.
Also addressing participants, the District Head of Izom, Alhaji Ibrahim A. Salihu, urged community members to support TCN’s efforts by protecting transmission infrastructure within their communities.
He emphasised that the facilities belong to the people and called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in safeguarding public assets.
Similarly, the representative of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), ASP Galadima Edward, encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious activities around transmission towers and power installations.
He assured the community of the police’s readiness to respond to credible intelligence and collaborate with other security agencies to prevent vandalism.
The campaign seeks to educate residents on the dangers and economic consequences of vandalising electricity transmission infrastructure while encouraging active community participation in protecting national assets.
TCN said the sensitisation programme would continue through stakeholder engagements, awareness campaigns and sustained advocacy aimed at securing transmission facilities for the benefit of all Nigerians.
The event attracted 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.
