The Transmission Company of Nigeria has identified vandalism of its transmission facilities by hoodlums as a major nationwide challenge, urging proactive measures to protect critical infrastructure.
Adesina Adeonipekun, TCN’s regional head of operations for the South-West, highlighted the issue during a sensitisation and awareness programme on safety and protection of the company’s facilities on Monday in Osogbo. The regional office covers Osun, Oyo, Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo, and Ogun States.
Mr. Adeonipekun warned against acts of vandalism in the region and stressed the importance of collective efforts by stakeholders to safeguard transmission facilities. He said the meeting aimed to create awareness of the dangers posed by vandalism and how collaboration could mitigate the risk.
“The huge amount of money used by TCN in purchasing and repairing vandalised transmission facilities is significant and could be used to provide needed facilities in other communities that need them. We need to speak out whenever we notice any unlawful activities being carried out by vandals in our society,” he said.
He added that TCN plans to equip stakeholders with mobile phones and recharge cards to ensure efficient communication in case of emergencies. “We shall collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that our facilities are protected,” Mr. Adeonipekun said.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for implementing policies aimed at improving electricity supply across the country.
The deputy commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Adeduro Agbeye, reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to combating vandalism of national critical assets. He noted that several arrests had been made in connection with vandalism and encroachment on national assets.
Mr. Agbeye urged stakeholders to educate residents on the dangers of interacting with power transmission cables. “We will continue to discuss this sensitisation awareness in our divisions and local government meetings in the state to open the eyes of everyone to the dangers of vandalism. We also want to appeal to residents to always report any form of vandalism in their environment,” he said.
He further advised traditional rulers to caution their subjects against building or doing business under power transmission lines and warned that the corps would begin arresting anyone found under TCN cables from January 2026.
Chizoba Ezeoke, assistant general manager of TCN’s Osogbo sub-region, said the company would continue to engage stakeholders to prevent vandals and criminal-minded individuals from destroying facilities. She encouraged prompt reporting of any suspicious activity in communities to enable swift intervention by security agencies.
The meeting was attended by representatives of security agencies, traditional rulers, and other relevant stakeholders.
