TCN raises the alarm over rising vandalism threatening power supply

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has identified the persistent vandalism of its transmission infrastructure as a major threat to stable electricity supply across the country.

Speaking at a sensitisation and awareness programme on facility protection held on Monday in Osogbo, Adesina Adeonipekun, TCN’s South-West Regional Head of Operations, warned that the activities of vandals continue to undermine power transmission efforts.

The South-West region under the Osogbo office covers Osun, Oyo, Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo and Ogun States.

Mr Adeonipekun appealed for stronger cooperation from communities and stakeholders to safeguard the nation’s transmission network.

He explained that the meeting was organised to highlight the dangers of vandalism and promote joint actions to protect critical infrastructure.

According to him, the huge sums spent on repairing damaged facilities could have been used to expand electricity access in underserved communities.

“We must speak out whenever we observe suspicious activities around power installations.

“TCN is also putting measures in place to support stakeholders with mobile phones and recharge cards to aid effective communication during emergencies,” he said.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for implementing policies aimed at improving electricity supply nationwide.

Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Adeduro Agbeye, reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to combating vandalism of national assets.

He disclosed that several arrests had already been made in connection with unlawful encroachment on power infrastructure.

Mr Agbeye urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour around power lines, warning that the NSCDC would begin arresting anyone found loitering under TCN transmission cables from January 2026.

Traditional rulers and community leaders, he said, must sensitise their people on the dangers of building or conducting business activities beneath high-tension lines.

Chizoba Ezeoke, Assistant General Manager of TCN, Osogbo sub-region, also stressed the importance of community collaboration in preventing damage to transmission facilities.

She encouraged stakeholders to promptly report any suspicious acts to security agencies.

The sensitisation meeting was attended by security operatives, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders.