The Transmission Company of Nigeria has reported that over 100 transmission towers have been vandalized in Kaduna State in 2024 alone.
The company is calling for collective efforts from stakeholders to stop the recurring vandalism and encroachment on transmission lines.
This was disclosed during a town hall meeting organized by TCN in Jaji, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Representing the General Manager of TCN Kaduna Region, Engr. Ganiyu Aliyu, the Assistant General Manager Technical Service, Engr. Abubakar Usman, highlighted the severe impact of these activities.
He stated, “There is no way TCN can move forward if each time the company takes a step forward, the activities of vandals take it ten steps backwards.”
Engr. Usman emphasized the dangers of building structures under high-tension power lines and urged traditional leaders to help protect these infrastructures. He said, “Traditional leaders should see themselves as custodians of these assets in their various communities and enlighten members on the ills of encroachment and vandalism.”
Discussing the health risks, the Principal Manager of Health, Safety, and Environment for Kaduna Region, Ahmad Rufai Sani, warned about the consequences of living or working close to high-tension lines. He explained, “These high-tension installations carry high voltage over long distances that cause long-term health issues like leukemia and stunted growth in children.”
He further advised maintaining safe distances from power lines: “A 50-meter distance should be maintained for a 330kV line, a 30-meter distance for a 132kV line, and an 11-meter distance for a 33kV line.”
The district head of Jaji, Alhaji Adamu Saleh, expressed his commitment to supporting TCN’s efforts. He said, “Traditional leaders will continue to sensitize members of their communities on the dangers of building under high-tension installations. We also help security operatives by calling their attention whenever we see any suspicious activities close to these facilities.”
Alhaji Saleh also suggested stronger collaboration between TCN and the Kaduna State Urban Planning Agency.
He advised, “TCN should collaborate with KASUPDA so that buildings under transmission towers will be halted before they even reach an advanced stage.”
Representing the Commandant of the Armed Forces and Staff College Jaji, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Idris Alhaji, the Director of Logistics, Commodore Dickson Chigbata, condemned the acts of vandalism. He stated, “Cutting tower members and selling to scrap merchants should not be called vandalism but stealing. It’s an act of theft and a huge criminal offense that should not be treated with laxity.” He pledged the military’s support, saying, “We are committed to helping TCN fight this menace.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police at Jaji Police Command, Kefas Liberty, discussed recent efforts to curb these crimes. He said, “With the help of Kaduna State Vigilante Service and active community members, we were able to make two arrests in June. The suspects have been charged to court.” He encouraged continued community involvement, adding, “We urge members of the community to intensify efforts in helping security operatives and be more vigilant.”
TCN continues to urge all stakeholders, including community leaders, security agencies, and residents, to work together to protect vital power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply across the region.
