The General Manager, Transmission, Engr. Musa Shuaibu has decried the incessant vandalisation of the Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN infrastructure in Niger State. He made this known when TCN held a sensitization campaign against vandalism of transmission infrastructure and building under transmission lines right of way in Lambata Community, Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State. The GM revealed that the campaign forms part of ongoing efforts to protect transmission installations and enhance a more reliable bulk electricity supply nationwide.

He stated that the sesitization programme was convened in response to the increasing incidents of vandalism on transmission facilities, noting that regularity of the acts were unprecedented in the history of transmission lines vandalism.

He however, expressed appreciation to the district heads, security agencies, and other stakeholders for honoring TCN’s invitation. Engr. Shuaibu emphasized that vandals often sell stolen transmission components for negligible amounts, while their actions plunge entire communities into darkness. He stressed that prolonged outages could have grave consequences, particularly for hospitals and other essential services that depend on stable power supply. He further noted that vandalism impedes the growth of Nigeria’s power sector, as funds earmarked for network expansion and new projects are diverted to replacing damaged infrastructure The act, he said is sometimes fatal as the vandal is sometimes electrocuted while carrying out the act.

Also speaking at the event, the NSCDC representative in Niger State, DSE Adah Ngbede, warned that the consequences of vandalism are severe and that perpetrators will be apprehended and prosecuted. He stressed the need to protect TCN facilities, stating, “No TCN, No Light.”

The District Head of Izom, Alhaji Ibrahim A. Salihu, addressed the gathering in Hausa and appealed to his community to embrace TCN’s partnership initiative. He emphasized that transmission infrastructure belongs to the people and urged residents to take ownership of the facilities by remaining vigilant and collaborating with security agencies.

Similarly, the representative of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), ASP Galadima Edward, urged residents to promptly report any suspicious movement or activity around transmission towers and other power installations. He assured the community of the police’s readiness to respond swiftly to credible information and to collaborate with other security agencies to prevent acts of vandalism.

The campaign seeks to educate community members on the dangers and far-reaching effects of vandalizing electricity transmission infrastructure, while encouraging greater community participation in safeguarding these assets.

The sensitization campaign continues with stakeholder engagements, awareness sessions, and sustained appeals for community support in safeguarding transmission infrastructure for the benefit of all.

The event attracted a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Vigilante Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Niger State Road Traffic Management Agency (NISTMA), traditional rulers, community leaders, and members of the press.