TCN Warns Vandalism of Transmission Infrastructure

The Transmission Company of Nigeria raised concerns this week over increasing vandalism of power transmission infrastructure in parts of Niger State, warning that the trend poses serious economic, safety, and electricity supply challenges for communities that depend on the affected lines.

Speaking during a community engagement visit to Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area, the General Manager of Transmission for the Abuja region said vandals had targeted transmission towers and cables, in some cases stripping conductor materials for resale, leaving entire feeder lines non-functional and disrupting supply to surrounding areas.

Vandalism Adds to Sector’s Mounting Challenges

The warning comes as new Power Minister Joseph Tegbe faces mounting pressure to stabilise Nigeria’s electricity sector, which is also grappling with an estimated four trillion naira in accumulated debt that the federal government is seeking to clear through a proposed bond, a plan former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised over transparency concerns.

TCN officials appealed to community leaders in Lambata to assist in monitoring transmission infrastructure and report suspicious activity near towers and substations. They said repeated vandalism incidents not only disrupt power supply but also pose serious safety risks to nearby residents and to anyone attempting to interfere with high-voltage equipment.

Officials Call for Community Vigilance

Furthermore, TCN said it was working with security agencies to strengthen surveillance around vulnerable transmission corridors across Niger State and other affected regions. Officials said community vigilance, alongside stronger law enforcement response, remained essential to preventing further disruptions. Consequently, the vandalism warning adds another structural challenge to Nigeria’s electricity sector at a moment when the government is already working to resolve its long-standing debt and reliability crisis.