VANDALS PLUNGE COMMUNITIES INTO DARKNESS, TCN WARNS AS IT LAUNCHES ANTI-SABOTAGE CAMPAIGN IN NIGER

"The campaign is aimed at educating communities on the dangers and economic impact of vandalism while fostering partnerships that will help secure critical national infrastructure." TCN 

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has intensified efforts to curb the growing menace of vandalism of power infrastructure, warning that the destruction of transmission facilities is crippling electricity supply and undermining national development.

Speaking during an anti-vandalism sensitization campaign in Lambata Community, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, TCN officials described the rising attacks on transmission installations as unprecedented and called for stronger community participation in protecting critical power assets.

The campaign, which focused on the dangers of vandalizing transmission infrastructure and erecting structures within transmission right-of-way corridors, brought together traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders, and other stakeholders.

Addressing participants, TCN's General Manager, Transmission, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, said the sensitization exercise became necessary following an alarming increase in vandalism incidents across the transmission network.

According to him, vandals often dispose of stolen transmission components for insignificant amounts, while their actions leave entire communities without electricity and disrupt essential services.

"These acts have devastating consequences. Hospitals, businesses, schools and households suffer prolonged outages, while funds meant for expanding and improving the power network are diverted to replacing damaged infrastructure," he said.

Shuaibu also warned that vandalism can be fatal, noting that perpetrators sometimes lose their lives through electrocution while attempting to tamper with high-voltage facilities.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also issued a stern warning to would-be offenders. Representing the corps, DSE Adah Ngbede said anyone caught vandalizing TCN assets would face prosecution.

Emphasizing the importance of transmission infrastructure to electricity supply, he declared: "No TCN, No Light."

In his remarks, the District Head of Izom, Alhaji Ibrahim A. Salihu, urged residents to take ownership of transmission facilities located within their communities and work closely with security agencies to safeguard them.

Similarly, ASP Galadima Edward, representing the Divisional Police Officer, called on residents to promptly report suspicious activities around transmission towers and other power installations, assuring them of swift security response.

TCN said the campaign is aimed at educating communities on the dangers and economic impact of vandalism while fostering partnerships that will help secure critical national infrastructure.

The sensitization programme forms part of the company's broader strategy to strengthen stakeholder engagement and ensure the protection of transmission facilities essential for a stable and reliable electricity supply across the country.

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.