The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says vandalism of its transmission facilities by hoodlums is a major obstacle it faces nationwide, calling for proactive steps to curb the threat.
Adesina Adeonipekun, TCN regional head of operations for the South-West, said this during a sensitisation and awareness programme on safety and protection of the company’s facilities on Monday in Osogbo.
The regional office in Osogbo covers Osun, Oyo, Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo, and Ogun States.
Mr Adeonipekun warned hoodlums against vandalism of its facilities in the region and called for the concerted efforts of stakeholders in safeguarding transmission facilities across the region.
He said that the reason for the stakeholders’ meeting was to create awareness of the dangers of vandalising transmission facilities and how they could be safeguarded through collective collaboration of stakeholders.
“The huge amount of money used by TCN in purchasing and repairing vandalised transmission facilities is significant and could be used to provide needed facilities in other communities that need them.
“We need to speak out whenever we notice any unlawful activities being carried out by vandals in our society,” he added.
According to him, TCN has made plans to empower stakeholders with mobile phones and recharge cards to ensure effective communication with TCN in case of any emergency.
“We shall collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that our facilities are protected,” he said.
Mr Adeonipekun commended President Bola Tinubu for putting vibrant policies in place to ensure an adequate supply of electricity in the country.
The deputy commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Adeduro Agbeye, said the corps would continue to intensify its fight against vandalism of national critical assets by hoodlums.
Mr Agbeye said that the corps had made several arrests for vandalism and encroachment on national assets by hoodlums.
He urged stakeholders to sensitise their subjects on the need to stay away from power transmission cables that could endanger lives.
“We will continue to discuss this sensitisation awareness in our divisions and local government meetings in the state in order to open the eyes of everyone to the dangers of vandalism.
“We also want to appeal to residents to always say something whenever they see any form of vandalism in their environment. Residents must pay close attention to what is going on within their communities and also report any cases of vandalism.
“Traditional rulers must sensitise their subjects on the consequences of doing business and building houses under the power transmission facilities in the state,” he said.
Mr Agbeye said that the corps would start arresting anyone found under the TCN cables from January 2026.
Chizoba Ezeoke, assistant general manager of TCN, Osogbo sub‑region, said TCN would continue to engage stakeholders towards ensuring that vandals and criminal-minded people were prevented from destroying TCN facilities.
Ms Ezeoke advised stakeholders to report any vandalism or suspicious activities in their communities for quick intervention by security agencies.
Security agencies and traditional rulers, among other stakeholders, were present at the meeting.
(NAN)