Vandalization of Power Infrastructure: TCN Raises Alarm. ..... Mobilises Ebonyi Communities to Protect Power Infrastructure

"Transmission tower components worth millions of naira are often stolen and sold to unscrupulous scrap dealers for a fraction of their value." Thomas Inugonum, General Manager (Transmission), Enugu Region. 

.... Calls for stronger community surveillance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has intensified efforts to curb the rising vandalism of power infrastructure in Ebonyi State, urging host communities to take ownership of transmission facilities and support security agencies in safeguarding national assets.

The sensitization campaign, held on Thursday in Umuhuali, Ezillo and Nkalagu communities, focused on the dangers of vandalism, illegal structures on transmission corridors, excavation around tower foundations and other activities threatening the integrity of the nation's electricity network.

Speaking during the exercise, the General Manager (Transmission), Enugu Region, Dr. Thomas Inugonum, warned that attacks on transmission installations not only disrupt electricity supply but also endanger lives and undermine economic development.

He identified five major concerns requiring urgent community action: vandalism of 330kV and 132kV transmission lines, construction of buildings within TCN's Right of Way (RoW), excavation of soil near tower bases, farming and residential activities beneath transmission lines, and the burning of waste materials under high-voltage installations.

Dr. Inugonum recalled a fatal incident in Ezillo where a suspected vandal was electrocuted while attempting to tamper with Tower 34 on the Nkalagu-Abakaliki 132kV transmission line. He also disclosed that two suspected vandals were arrested on May 9 after dismantling components from transmission towers along the same route.

According to him, the suspects were apprehended through the vigilance of local youths and security operatives in Ezza Umuhuali community.

"Transmission tower components worth millions of naira are often stolen and sold to unscrupulous scrap dealers for a fraction of their value," he said, stressing the need for stronger community surveillance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities.

The TCN official noted that similar sensitisation campaigns conducted in parts of Benue and Enugu states had produced encouraging results and expressed optimism that Ebonyi communities would replicate such successes.

Earlier, the TCN delegation paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Umuhuali Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Patrick Nwafor Udoku, who assured the company of the community's commitment to protecting power installations and preventing encroachment on transmission corridors.

Also speaking, the President-General of Ezza Umuhuali Town Union, Hon. Solomon Nweke, described attacks on electricity infrastructure as a direct threat to the nation's economy and public safety.

He credited the recent arrest of suspected vandals to the vigilance of community leaders and local security groups and called on TCN to sustain engagement with host communities while strengthening support for grassroots surveillance efforts.

The sensitisation programme ended with community leaders and residents pledging closer collaboration with TCN and security agencies to protect transmission facilities serving Ebonyi State and the country at large.

The campaign forms part of TCN's broader strategy to reduce infrastructure vandalism, improve public awareness and ensure the reliability of Nigeria's power transmission network.