TCN, NSCDC Unite to Combat Vandalism of Power, Telecom Infrastructure

"Benin, is a key electricity transmission hub linking several parts of the country." Engr. Onya W. Chukwuma, TCN's Principal Manager, Telecommunications.

.... Says "TCN's transmission towers support both electricity transmission and fibre optic telecommunications, warning that attacks on the facilities could disrupt power supply and communication services while endangering lives and property."

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), telecommunications operators and other critical infrastructure stakeholders have strengthened collaboration to protect power transmission facilities and fibre optic infrastructure from vandalism and accidental damage in Edo State.

The stakeholders reached the resolution during a strategic engagement convened by the Edo State Command of the NSCDC in Benin City, where participants explored measures to curb increasing incidents of vandalism, illegal excavation and fibre optic cable cuts threatening critical national assets.

Speaking at the meeting, TCN's Principal Manager, Telecommunications, Engr. Onya W. Chukwuma, described Benin as a key electricity transmission hub linking several parts of the country. He explained that TCN's transmission towers support both electricity transmission and fibre optic telecommunications, warning that attacks on the facilities could disrupt power supply and communication services while endangering lives and property.

Chukwuma commended the NSCDC for its efforts in protecting TCN's installations and called for sustained cooperation among security agencies, telecom operators, construction firms and other stakeholders to safeguard critical infrastructure.

Edo State NSCDC Commandant, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, reaffirmed the Corps' commitment to protecting national assets, expressing concern over the growing cases of fibre optic cable damage caused by excavation activities. He disclosed that 25 suspects had been arrested in connection with offences involving critical infrastructure.

As part of measures to improve surveillance and emergency response, the stakeholders agreed to establish a WhatsApp platform for real-time information sharing and rapid response to incidents.

The meeting attracted representatives of TCN, MTN, Airtel, Globacom, T2 Mobile, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), construction companies, the Fiber Optic Cable Maintenance Engineers Association, and relevant federal and Edo State government agencies.