TCN, ONSA, NSCDC Act to End Vandalism of Power Infrastructure

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reiterated its pledge to safeguard the country’s essential electricity transmission assets by intensifying cooperation with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

During a strategic meeting focused on enhancing inter‑agency collaboration to counter vandalism and sabotage of transmission facilities nationwide, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, highlighted this renewed commitment.

Welcoming the delegation at TCN Headquarters in Abuja, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sule Abdulaziz underscored the growing partnership between TCN and security agencies in protecting the national transmission network.

Abdulaziz stressed that sustained inter‑agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, rapid response, and effective law enforcement are essential to counter vandalism and defend critical infrastructure.

He described the ongoing destruction of transmission assets as a major financial and operational burden, citing recent vandalism of six towers on the Apir‑Makurdi line and 14 spans of conductors on the Lambata 132kV line as stark examples of the damage caused by such criminal acts.

According to him, the tower vandalism forced TCN to mobilise contractors for emergency repairs amid financial constraints. He noted that while repairs were underway, vandals struck again, highlighting the need for more proactive and coordinated security measures.

Abdulaziz also mentioned that TCN continues community sensitisation programmes nationwide, engaging host communities, traditional rulers, and security agencies to foster collective ownership and protection of transmission facilities.

He explained that, given the extensive spread of the transmission network, there is an urgent need to deploy technology‑driven surveillance systems and establish a joint monitoring centre. This would enable TCN and NSCDC to conduct real‑time monitoring of assets and respond promptly to security threats.

Air Vice Marshal E. E. Effiom, Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Army Intelligence Programme (NAIP) at the NSA, also spoke at the engagement. He called for innovative approaches to protecting critical national assets.

Effiom proposed a three‑tier asset‑protection strategy: installing physical barriers to deter intruders, employing surveillance technology for early detection, and apprehending and prosecuting offenders.

He added that effective infrastructure protection requires a blend of physical deterrents, technology‑driven surveillance, and rapid security response. While community vigilance groups remain valuable partners, their effectiveness hinges on timely intelligence and adequate technological support.

Assistant Commandant General (ACG) Power Akinlade Esther, representing NSCDC, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to supporting TCN in safeguarding critical transmission infrastructure.

She assured TCN management that NSCDC commands across the federation are ready to respond to reported vandalism incidents and collaborate with TCN to investigate and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law.

The parties renewed their commitment to deepen institutional collaboration through improved intelligence sharing, regular stakeholder engagement, and coordinated security operations aimed at protecting the nation’s transmission assets.

They expressed confidence that a sustained partnership among relevant agencies will significantly reduce vandalism incidents and contribute to a more reliable and resilient national grid.