The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has identified vandalism of its facilities as a significant challenge nationwide, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to address the issue. According to Adesina Adeonipekun, TCN’s Regional Head of Operations for the Southwest, the company’s facilities are frequently targeted by hoodlums, resulting in substantial financial losses.
Adeonipekun made this statement during a sensitization and awareness program on safety and protection of TCN facilities in Osogbo, which covers six states in the region, including Osun, Oyo, Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo, and Ogun. He warned against the dangers of vandalism, highlighting the potential consequences for communities that rely on these facilities for electricity.
The TCN official emphasized the importance of stakeholders’ collaboration in safeguarding transmission facilities, noting that the funds spent on repairing vandalized facilities could be utilized to provide essential services to other communities. To enhance communication and reporting of vandalism incidents, TCN plans to empower stakeholders with mobile phones and recharge cards.
Adeonipekun commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to improve electricity supply in the country, acknowledging the administration’s vibrant policies in this regard. The Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Adeduro Agbeye, also reiterated the corps’ commitment to combating vandalism of national critical assets, citing several arrests made in connection with such incidents.
Agbeye urged stakeholders to educate their communities about the risks associated with vandalism, particularly in relation to power transmission cables. He announced that the NSCDC would intensify its awareness campaigns and warned that individuals found under TCN cables would be arrested starting from January 2026.
TCN’s Assistant General Manager for the Osogbo Sub-Region, Mrs. Chizoba Ezeoke, emphasized the company’s dedication to engaging stakeholders in preventing vandalism and ensuring the security of its facilities. She encouraged stakeholders to report any suspicious activities or vandalism incidents to enable prompt intervention by security agencies.
The meeting, attended by security agencies, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders, underscored the importance of collective action in protecting critical infrastructure and promoting a stable electricity supply. As the TCN continues to work towards addressing the challenge of vandalism, the collaboration of stakeholders and the public remains crucial in preventing the destruction of transmission facilities and ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity to communities nationwide.