TCN Raises Alarm Over 276 Cases of Tower Vandalism, Launches Fresh Community Campaign in Ogun
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has intensified its fight against vandalism of power infrastructure, revealing that no fewer than 276 cases of transmission tower vandalism were recorded between 2022 and 2025 across the country.
The disclosure was contained in a statement issued by TCN and signed by Ndidi Mbah following a sensitisation programme organised by the Lagos Region of the company in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The awareness campaign brought together traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders, and residents to educate the public on the dangers of vandalising transmission facilities, erecting structures under transmission line Right of Way, and excavating around electricity towers.
Speaking during the programme, the General Manager, Transmission, Lagos Region, Adeshina Adeonipekun, said the company had recorded significant improvement this year due to stronger collaboration with host communities and proactive surveillance measures.
“This year, with the support of communities and the proactiveness of our staff, we have been able to reduce vandalism cases to about 40,” he stated.
Adeonipekun described vandalism as a major threat to national power infrastructure and stressed that community engagement remained one of TCN’s key strategies for protecting critical installations.
He also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser and security agencies for supporting efforts to apprehend vandals and reduce attacks on transmission infrastructure, particularly in the South-West region.
Also speaking, the Principal Manager, Lines, Kuye Emmanuel, disclosed that TCN had strengthened surveillance around transmission lines through community-based security arrangements.
“Apart from this awareness programme, we engage private vigilantes across communities and zones, who are paid monthly to help safeguard our transmission lines,” he said.
According to him, TCN also supports farmers and residents within host communities with incentives aimed at encouraging cooperation and prompt reporting of suspicious activities around transmission facilities.
In his remarks, the Olu of Itori Land, Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, commended TCN for sustaining the sensitisation campaign and urged the company to make the programme an annual exercise.
“This awareness programme is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The last edition was held here in Itori about four years ago, and we appreciate TCN for returning to engage our people again,” the monarch said.
He further disclosed that traditional rulers and community heads across the 127 communities under his domain had continued to monitor and protect transmission infrastructure within their areas.
The District Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Itori Command, Olusola Balogun, warned residents against vandalism, stressing that offenders risk imprisonment upon conviction.
“Vandalism is a criminal offence which can lead to imprisonment if offenders are found guilty by a court of law,” she warned.
Balogun noted that destruction of power infrastructure could trigger widespread power outages, harm economic activities, and create serious security concerns.
Similarly, the Divisional Police Officer of Itori Police Station, Dapo Ojekunle, urged residents to actively support security agencies by reporting suspected vandals.
“Most of these vandals are very clever. If we see anyone vandalising the infrastructure, residents should report them immediately,” he said.
He also advised residents against harbouring vandals or concealing stolen materials, while encouraging witnesses and complainants to follow reported cases through the legal process to ensure successful prosecution.
