TCN reports 40 vandalism cases in five months

The Transmission Company of Nigeria says it has recorded 40 cases of vandalism since the beginning of the year.

However, the company said this represented a reduction in vandalism cases compared to previous years, linking the development to engagements with communities.

The company disclosed this during a sensitisation programme organised by its Lagos Region at Itori in the Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State on Thursday.

Speaking, the TCN General Manager (Transmission), Adeshina Adeonipekun, said the company recorded no fewer than 276 cases of tower vandalism between 2022 and 2025.

He stated that “this year, with the support of communities and proactiveness of our staff, we have been able to minimise the issue of vandalism to about 40.”

According to him, the company organises yearly sensitisation campaigns in different locations to strengthen collaboration with host communities and reduce attacks on power infrastructure. He added that cases of vandalism in the South-West were relatively minimal compared to other regions.

TCN’s Principal Manager (Lines), Kuye Emmanuel, explained that the company hired local vigilantes across communities to protect electricity transmission towers and curb the growing menace of vandalism of power infrastructure.

He noted that the company had adopted community-based security measures to safeguard transmission lines. “Apart from this awareness, we arrange private vigilantes from zone to zone within the community that are being paid monthly to safeguard our lines,” he said.

He added that the company also provides incentives to farmers in host communities as part of efforts to encourage residents to protect transmission facilities and report suspicious activities around power installations.

The sensitisation programme focused on the dangers of vandalising transmission infrastructure, building under transmission line rights of way, and excavating under TCN towers.

Adeonipekun also noted that the Office of the National Security Adviser and security agencies had assisted the company in apprehending suspected vandals.

In his remarks, the Olu of Itori land, Oba Akorede Akamo, called for the awareness campaign to be conducted annually. “This awareness is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. It was last held four years ago here in Itori. We commend TCN’s efforts and appeal for it to be held, at least, once a year,” the monarch said.

According to him, community heads, known as Baale, across the 127 communities under his domain had ensured that residents did not tamper with transmission lines.

Also, the District Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Itori, Mrs Olusola Balogun, warned residents against aiding vandals.

“Vandalism is a criminal offence which can lead to imprisonment if found guilty by the court of law. Some are aiding and contributing to vandalism. We should stop it. Once we see anything, we should talk so that security agencies will act. Report any illegal activities by the vandals,” she said.

Balogun warned that vandalism of electricity towers could trigger power outages and negatively affect the economy and national security.

The Divisional Police Officer of Itori Police Station, CSP Dapo Ojekunle, also urged residents to report suspected vandals to the police. “If we see anyone vandalising the infrastructure, please report them. Our responsibility is to prevent crime, but we can’t be everywhere,” he said.