The Transmission Company of Nigeria (Transmission Company of Nigeria) has stepped up its public sensitisation drive against vandalism of electricity transmission facilities, warning that continued destruction of national grid assets poses serious risks to power stability and public safety.
Held in Lambata Community, Gurara Local Government Area, the outreach also addressed growing concerns over construction activities and encroachment beneath transmission lines right-of-way, which officials say pose a threat to the safety and efficiency of the national grid.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs, the initiative forms part of sustained efforts to protect transmission infrastructure and strengthen the reliability of bulk electricity supply nationwide.
Addressing participants at the event, the General Manager, Transmission, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, said the sensitisation campaign became necessary following what he described as an alarming and unprecedented rise in vandalism targeting transmission installations.
He explained that the increasing frequency of such incidents is undermining national development efforts and disrupting essential services that depend on stable electricity supply. Speaking further, Engr. Shuaibu noted that vandals often dispose of stolen transmission components for minimal gain, while their actions leave entire communities in prolonged darkness, affecting critical institutions such as hospitals and businesses.
Highlighting the broader impact, he added that repeated attacks on transmission infrastructure force the diversion of funds meant for expansion projects into repairs, thereby slowing down the growth of the power sector.
Warning of the dangers involved, the TCN official also stressed that vandalism is a life-threatening activity, as perpetrators often risk fatal electrocution when tampering with high-voltage installations.
Reacting on behalf of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps), DSE Adah Ngbede cautioned that security agencies will continue to apprehend and prosecute those involved in vandalism across the state.
Reinforcing community responsibility, he urged residents to safeguard public infrastructure and support security efforts, echoing the campaign message: “No TCN, No Light.”
Contributing from the community leadership level, the District Head of Izom, Alhaji Ibrahim A. Salihu, called on residents to remain vigilant and actively report suspicious activities around transmission facilities, noting that the infrastructure belongs to the people.
Speaking on security response efforts, the representative of the Divisional Police Officer (Nigeria Police Force), ASP Galadima Edward, assured residents of swift action on credible intelligence and stronger collaboration among security agencies.
Other stakeholders including the Federal Road Safety Corps (Federal Road Safety Corps), Niger State Road Traffic Management Agency (NISTMA), vigilante groups, traditional rulers, and community leaders pledged support for the protection of transmission assets.
Reaffirming its commitment, the company said the sensitisation campaign will continue through sustained community outreach and awareness programmes aimed at strengthening collective responsibility for safeguarding national grid infrastructure across Niger State and beyond.
