The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Osogbo Region, in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has carried out a joint enforcement operation against illegal encroachment and unauthorized activities within TCN’s Right of Way (RoW) corridors in Osun State.
TCN said the operation was led by the Principal Manager, System Lines, Engr. Gbenga Akeju, alongside officers of the NSCDC’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department.
According to a statement on Thursday by the General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the exercise targeted individuals and business operators carrying out unlawful activities under high-voltage 330kV and 132kV transmission lines.
She explained that the enforcement exercise focused on ensuring compliance with statutory safety clearances of 25 metres on both sides of 330kV transmission lines and 15 metres on both sides of 132kV lines, in line with national safety regulations and laws guiding the protection of critical infrastructure.
She revealed that the during the operation, several cases of encroachment and illegal occupation were identified along the Osogbo–Ikeja West and Osogbo–Ayede 330kV transmission lines, as well as the Osogbo–Ede 132kV transmission line around the Oke-Onti and Hallelujah areas of Olurunda Local Government Area of Osun State.
She said some violators were arrested and taken into custody for questioning, while affected individuals were required to provide credible sureties alongside court-sworn undertakings to vacate the affected corridors within the stipulated timeframe.
While commenting on the exercise, the statement said Engr. Akeju emphasized that illegal structures and commercial activities within transmission corridors pose serious threats to public safety, critical power infrastructure, and the stability of electricity supply across the country.
He explained that TCN’s Right of Way corridors are designated not only to safeguard transmission infrastructure but also to protect surrounding communities from hazards such as electrocution, vandalism, fire outbreaks, and power disruptions.
Engr. Akeju also commended the continued support and collaboration of the NSCDC in the protection of critical national assets, noting that similar enforcement operations and public sensitization campaigns would continue across the region to promote public safety and safeguard the nation’s transmission network.
