The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) held a community sensitization campaign in Lambata, Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State, warning residents against vandalism of transmission infrastructure and building under transmission lines right of way, as part of a wide push to protect the national grid.
General Manager, Transmission, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, told the gathering that vandalism on transmission facilities had reached unprecedented levels, with stolen components often sold for little money even as the attacks plunged the entire communities into darkness.
He warned that prolonged outages can be especially dangerous for hospitals and other essential services, and said funds meant for expanding the power network are instead being diverted to repairing vandalised infrastructure. He added that vandals themselves are sometimes electrocuted during the act.
Also speaking, a Niger State representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, DSE Adah Ngbede, cautioned that vandals would be tracked down and prosecuted, telling residents, “NO TCN, No Light.”
The District Head of Izom, Ahalji Ibrahim Salihu, who addressed the community in Hausa, described the transmission infrastructure as belonging to the people and urged residents to protect it by staying alert and working with the security agencies.
A representative of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), ASP Galadima Edward, asked residents to promptly report suspicious activity around transmission towers, assuring them of a swift police response.
The event drew representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, Vigilante Corps, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Niger State Road Traffic Management Agency, traditional rulers, community leaders, and journalists.
TCN said the sensitisation drive would continue with further stakeholder engagements and awareness sessions across affected communities.
