The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has expressed growing concern over rising incidents of vandalism targeting power transmission infrastructure in parts of Niger State, warning that the trend is causing major financial losses, disrupting electricity supply and exposing communities to significant safety hazards. The concern was raised during a community engagement visit to Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area, where TCN officials met with local stakeholders to discuss the increasing attacks on critical power assets serving the region.
Speaking during the visit, the General Manager, Transmission, Abuja Region, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, described the repeated vandalism of transmission facilities as a disturbing development that threatens the reliability of electricity supply across several communities and cities connected to the network. According to him, such incidents were previously rare in the area but have become increasingly frequent, creating serious challenges for the company and electricity consumers.
“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,” he said.
Shuaibu disclosed that vandals recently targeted approximately 14 spans of conductors on the 132kV transmission line located in Lambata, causing extensive damage that will require significant resources to repair. He revealed that restoring the damaged infrastructure will cost an estimated N32 million, funds that could otherwise have been invested in expanding and improving electricity infrastructure in other parts of the country.
“This is money that could have been used to improve power infrastructure and electricity supply elsewhere,” he stated. The TCN official stressed that repeated destruction of transmission assets not only drains limited resources but also delays planned upgrades and expansion projects designed to strengthen the national grid.
Shuaibu explained that the affected transmission line is more than four decades old and remains a critical component of the electricity network supplying major parts of northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. The line transports electricity generated from Shiroro through Minna, Bida and Suleja before reaching Abuja, making it a strategic asset for power distribution and economic activity.
According to him, attacks on such infrastructure have far-reaching consequences beyond immediate power outages. He warned that vandalism discourages investment, disrupts business operations, affects productivity and ultimately reduces economic growth and government revenue.
Beyond the economic implications, TCN also highlighted the dangers posed by damaged transmission facilities to residents living near affected areas. Shuaibu cautioned that fallen conductors can remain dangerous even after being disconnected from the grid because residual voltage may still be present.
He noted that unsuspecting residents, farmers and livestock could be exposed to serious injury or death if they come into contact with damaged lines. As a result, he urged communities to promptly report suspicious activities around transmission infrastructure and avoid approaching fallen electrical equipment.
The TCN official appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilante groups and security agencies to work together in safeguarding critical national infrastructure. He stressed that protecting transmission facilities is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation between government institutions and local communities.
Representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Force who attended the engagement pledged continued collaboration with TCN in identifying, arresting and prosecuting vandals and their accomplices. The agencies assured residents that efforts would be intensified to protect power infrastructure and ensure that those responsible for sabotage face the full weight of the law.
With incidents of Niger power vandalism increasing, stakeholders warned that sustained community vigilance and stronger enforcement measures will be critical to protecting electricity infrastructure and maintaining reliable power supply for affected communities and businesses.
