The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has expressed concern over increasing cases of power infrastructure vandalism in parts of Niger State, warning that continued attacks on transmission facilities could threaten electricity supply, economic activities and public safety. The warning was issued during a community engagement visit to Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area, where TCN officials met with local stakeholders to discuss the growing challenge of vandalism targeting critical power assets.
Speaking during the visit, the General Manager, Transmission, Abuja Region, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, said the rise in power infrastructure vandalism has become a major concern for the company and affected communities. According to him, incidents of vandalism were previously rare in the area but have increased significantly in recent times.
“We have been having challenges with our transmission lines. These lines have been vandalised repeatedly. It has never happened before in this area, but now it has become worrisome to all of us,” Shuaibu said.
He disclosed that vandals recently damaged about 14 spans of conductors on the 132kV transmission line serving the Lambata axis.
Shuaibu revealed that repairing the damaged section of the transmission network would cost approximately N32 million. “This is money that could have been used to improve power infrastructure and electricity supply elsewhere,” he said.
He explained that the affected transmission line, which has been in operation for more than 40 years, plays a critical role in transmitting electricity from Shiroro through Minna, Bida and Suleja to Abuja. According to him, the destruction of such infrastructure undermines economic productivity, discourages investment and affects revenue generation within the power sector.
Beyond the financial implications, TCN warned that power infrastructure vandalism also poses serious safety hazards to residents. Shuaibu noted that fallen transmission conductors may still carry residual voltage, creating risks for farmers, community members and livestock that come into contact with them. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around transmission facilities to relevant authorities.
The TCN official appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilante groups and security agencies to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting critical national infrastructure. He stressed that safeguarding power installations requires collaboration between government agencies and host communities.
Representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Police Force who attended the engagement pledged continued cooperation in identifying, arresting and prosecuting individuals involved in acts of vandalism.
The growing cases of vandalism in Niger State have raised concerns over electricity reliability, public safety and economic development. TCN says stronger community participation and security collaboration will be essential in protecting transmission assets and preventing further disruptions to power supply across affected areas.
