The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has apprehended more than 30 suspected vandals as part of efforts to protect electricity transmission infrastructure, its General Manager, Muhammad Kamal-Bello, said.
Kamal-Bello told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at a sensitisation programme on Wednesday that the company had intensified public awareness campaigns nationwide to prevent vandalism.
He urged communities to support efforts to safeguard transmission towers and other electricity facilities.
The programme brought together government officials, traditional and religious leaders, artisans, civil society organisations, young people and media representatives.
According to NAN, the campaign highlighted the risks associated with vandalism and encroachment, including electrocution, fires and structural collapse. It also explained how damage to transmission infrastructure affects the grid and electricity supply.
Kamal-Bello urged residents to avoid activities that could compromise the safety of transmission facilities.
“The company has enjoyed substantial cooperation from communities along the Kumbotso–Zaria transmission line,” he said.
He warned that digging near transmission towers could weaken their foundations, cause them to collapse and disrupt electricity supply.
Kamal-Bello commended traditional institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders for their cooperation, stressing the importance of collective efforts to protect electricity infrastructure.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around transmission towers and other installations to the appropriate authorities.
Also speaking at the programme, the Hakimin Gunduwawan Paki, Alhaji Ja’afaru Aliyu-Paki, described electricity as essential to development, infrastructure and security.
Aliyu-Paki urged community members to help protect substations and other electricity infrastructure against vandalism.
He commended TCN for organising the programme and called for sustained cooperation between the company and communities to safeguard transmission facilities and improve electricity supply.
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