The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has raised fresh concerns over increasing cases of transmission line vandalism in parts of Niger State, warning that the destruction of critical electricity infrastructure is causing significant financial losses, threatening public safety and disrupting power supply. The company said repeated attacks on transmission facilities in the state have become a growing challenge that requires urgent intervention from communities, traditional institutions and security agencies.
The concerns were expressed during a community engagement visit to Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State by officials of the Transmission Company of Nigeria.
Speaking during the visit, the General Manager, Transmission, Abuja Region, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, said the company had recorded several incidents of vandalism affecting vital transmission assets in the area. According to him, such attacks were previously uncommon in the community but have become increasingly frequent and alarming.
“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.
Providing details of the latest incident, Shuaibu disclosed that approximately 14 spans of conductors along the 132kV transmission line in Lambata were recently vandalised. He explained that the damage would cost about N32 million to repair. According to him, resources being spent on restoring vandalised facilities could have been channelled toward improving electricity infrastructure and expanding power supply to more communities.
“This is money that could have been used to improve power infrastructure and electricity supply elsewhere,” he stated.
The TCN official stressed that the growing incidence of transmission line vandalism is creating avoidable financial pressure on the power sector and slowing efforts to strengthen electricity delivery nationwide.
Shuaibu explained that the affected transmission line is more than four decades old and remains a strategic component of the national electricity network. The line transports electricity generated from Shiroro through Minna, Bida and Suleja before reaching Abuja and other connected areas.
He warned that damage to such infrastructure could have far-reaching economic consequences, including reduced productivity, disruptions to businesses and lower investor confidence. According to him, attacks on transmission facilities undermine economic activities and weaken efforts to improve power availability across the country.
Beyond the economic impact, TCN also highlighted the safety dangers associated with damaged transmission infrastructure. Shuaibu cautioned that fallen conductors could still carry residual electrical voltage capable of causing serious injuries or fatalities. He warned that residents, farmers and livestock within affected areas could be exposed to significant risks if they come into contact with damaged power lines.
The official therefore urged community members to report suspicious activities around electricity infrastructure and avoid approaching fallen conductors.
As part of efforts to address the challenge, TCN appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilante groups and residents to actively participate in protecting critical national assets.
Shuaibu emphasised that safeguarding transmission facilities requires collective responsibility and cooperation among all stakeholders. He noted that stronger community surveillance and timely intelligence sharing could help prevent further incidents of transmission line vandalism in the state.
Representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Force who attended the engagement assured residents and TCN officials of continued collaboration in tackling vandalism. The agencies pledged to intensify efforts aimed at identifying, arresting and prosecuting individuals involved in the destruction of power infrastructure, as well as those who aid or benefit from such criminal activities.
The growing cases of vandalism in Niger State have heightened concerns over the protection of critical electricity infrastructure. With repair costs rising and power supply disruptions affecting communities and businesses, TCN is calling for stronger cooperation between residents, traditional institutions and security agencies to curb the trend and safeguard national assets.
