The Transmission Company of Nigeria has raised concerns over increasing attacks on electricity infrastructure in Niger State, revealing that vandals have destroyed 14 tower spans of its 132-kilovolt high-voltage transmission line in the Lambata axis of Gurara Local Government Area.
The company described the development as economic sabotage capable of undermining electricity supply, threatening lives and frustrating efforts to improve power distribution and industrial growth in the state.
Speaking during a security and community engagement meeting held in Lambata on Monday, the General Manager of Transmission for TCN’s Abuja Region, Musa Shuaibu, said the company had been forced to seek the support of traditional rulers, vigilante groups and security agencies following repeated incidents of vandalism in the area.
Shuaibu explained that the affected 132kV transmission line, constructed during the administration of former President Shehu Shagari more than four decades ago, was originally designed to wheel electricity from the Shiroro axis through Minna, Bida and Suleja to the Federal Capital Territory.
“What we intend to do is to hold a meeting with our fathers here. Likewise, the security personnel here. We have been having issues with our transmission lines. Transmission lines have been vandalised repeatedly. It has never happened before in Niger State. Not in this particular area. And it has become worrisome to all of us,” Shuaibu said.
“These lines have been in existence for close to 40 years. When they were constructed, nobody ever imagined that people would one day wake up and decide to vandalise them. But suddenly, some individuals have taken it upon themselves to cut these conductors and sell them for little amounts of money.”
Shuaibu lamented that the destruction of transmission facilities was depriving TCN of resources that could have been invested in improving electricity infrastructure and supporting host communities.
“We have about 14 spans of this conductor vandalised. If we are to restore them directly within the region, our calculations indicate it will cost us about N32 million. If the work is eventually awarded as a contract, the cost may become much higher. This is money that should have been used to improve facilities and strengthen the power supply. Instead, we are diverting scarce resources to repair damage caused by some individuals out of sheer wickedness,” he stated.
The TCN official stressed that the consequences of vandalism extended beyond financial losses, warning that disruption to electricity supply could affect hospitals, businesses and households.
He further warned about the safety implications of damaged high-voltage lines, explaining that residual voltage from fallen conductors could cause fatalities.
“When these lines are vandalised, there can still be residual voltage on the conductors. Farmers working around the area may unknowingly come into contact with them. We have seen situations where animals die after coming close to such installations. We do not pray for human casualties. That is why everyone must take this issue seriously,” he said.
Shuaibu also linked the development to broader economic implications, saying that the destruction of transmission assets could impede the Niger State Electricity Commission’s operations and discourage industrial investment.
“If these lines are not there, how will the commission function effectively? Potential investors may refuse to establish industries in the state because of inadequate infrastructure. The government stands to lose revenue. Industries that should create jobs and contribute taxes may not come because the enabling infrastructure has been compromised,” he added.
The TCN official disclosed that several suspects arrested in connection with attacks on transmission facilities in the Federal Capital Territory were already facing prosecution. He appealed to residents to report suspicious activity around transmission corridors, promising that communities that help expose vandals would be recognised.
Also speaking at the meeting, ASP Galadima Edward, representing the Divisional Police Officer, described transmission facilities as critical national assets that require urgent protection.
In his remarks, the District Head of Izom in Gurara Local Government Area, Alhaji Ibrahim Salihu, pledged the support of traditional institutions in tackling the menace.
Last month, TCN said it had recorded 40 cases of vandalism since the beginning of the year, and between 2022 and 2025, the company recorded at least 276 cases of tower vandalism.
