By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has expressed concern over the increasing cases of vandalism of power transmission infrastructure in parts of Niger State, warning that the trend poses serious economic, safety and power supply challenges to residents and the state government.

Speaking during a sensitisation and community engagement visit to Lambata community in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State on Monday, the General Manager, Transmission, Abuja Region, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, said the company was alarmed by the repeated attacks on transmission lines in the area.

According to him, vandalism of transmission facilities, which was previously uncommon in the area, has become a recurring problem, resulting in significant financial losses and disruption to electricity supply.

He said: “We have been having issues and challenges with our transmission lines. These lines have been vandalised repeatedly. It has never happened before in this area. Suddenly, people started vandalising these lines with impunity and it has become worrisome to all of us”.

Shuaibu disclosed that about 14 spans of conductors on the 132kV transmission line in the Lambata area had recently been vandalised, adding that replacing the damaged conductors would cost TCN approximately N32 million.

“From our calculations, it will cost about N32 million to restore the vandalised sections. 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 over 40 years, is a critical infrastructure transporting electricity from Shiroro through Minna, Bida and Suleja to Abuja.

According to him, destruction of the line not only affects power supply but also undermines economic activities and revenue generation opportunities for the Niger State Government.

“When these lines are not available, industries will not come, investments will be discouraged and the state government will lose revenue. The electricity commission established by the state government also depends on functional transmission infrastructure to operate effectively,” he added.

The TCN official further warned that vandalism of transmission facilities poses serious safety risks to residents, farmers and livestock due to residual voltage that may remain on fallen conductors.

“These lines carry 132kV. When they are cut and fall to the ground, there can still be dangerous residual voltage. People, animals and farmers can be electrocuted unknowingly,” he warned.

Shuaibu said the company embarked on the sensitisation exercise to seek the support of traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilante groups and security agencies in protecting critical national assets.

He commended local vigilantes for their efforts despite limited resources and pledged that TCN would continue to support community-based surveillance initiatives.

He also revealed that several suspects arrested for vandalising TCN installations in Abuja had already been arraigned in court, stressing that offenders face lengthy prison terms under existing laws.

“Right now, we have suspects facing prosecution for vandalising TCN property. The law is very clear and those found guilty face severe punishment. We want this to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.

Representing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), DSE Adah Ngbede stressed that protecting power infrastructure requires collaboration among security agencies, TCN staff and host communities.

“Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps cannot do it alone and TCN staff cannot do it alone. We are working with other security agencies to combat these criminals. Anyone caught vandalising public infrastructure will be prosecuted. The law has no respect for persons,” he said.

Similarly, the Police representative, SP Galadima Edward, said vandalism of transmission towers and cables had become a recurring challenge in Lambata, Aziz and other communities in Gurara LGA.

He noted that the police would continue to arrest, investigate and prosecute offenders, while intensifying intelligence gathering to identify vandals, their collaborators and scrap metal dealers who purchase stolen conductors.

Speaking on behalf of the host communities, the District Head of Izom, Alhaji Ibrahim El-Saliu, assured TCN of the community’s commitment to protecting government infrastructure and reporting suspicious activities.

“We will inform our people to keep watch over all government property, especially the transmission lines. Any suspicious activity will be reported immediately to the police, civil defence or vigilante groups,” he said.

The traditional ruler, however, called for improved mobility and logistical support for local vigilantes to enhance surveillance and response capabilities.

He also urged TCN to strengthen monitoring of transmission corridors and enforce compliance with right-of-way regulations to prevent encroachment and facilitate easier detection of vandals.