TCN reports attempted security breach at Ogbomosho facility days after the Osogbo attack

•Company begins phase 2 compensation for Kaduna transmission project

A few days after an assault on its Osogbo facility in Osun State, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported a second security incident, this time at the Ogbomosho Transmission Substation in Oyo State, heightening concerns about the protection of vital national power assets.

In a statement released yesterday, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said armed individuals attempted to breach the Ogbomosho substation in the early hours of May 10, 2026, but were thwarted by on‑site security staff.

Preliminary information indicates the attackers scaled the perimeter fence near the gate between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning to gain unauthorized entry.

The intruders then moved toward the gate house, apparently aiming to attack and incapacitate the vigilante operatives stationed there.

Security personnel responded by firing warning shots, which forced the suspects to abandon their attempt and retreat along the same route they had used to enter.

“During their escape, the suspects abandoned some of their tools and personal items near the fence wall,” the statement said.

An early‑morning inspection uncovered items believed to be intended for the attack, as well as blood traces and footprints pointing toward the escape path.

A subsequent daylight search yielded a bag containing additional tools thought to belong to the fleeing suspects.

The incident adds to a pattern of attacks, vandalism and theft targeting Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure, which industry players say continue to jeopardize power reliability and raise operational costs.

TCN confirmed that the matter has been reported to the appropriate security agencies and that investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.

TCN stated that no personnel were injured during the incident and reiterated its commitment to protecting critical transmission infrastructure across the country.

“The incident has been reported to the relevant authorities, and TCN is working closely with security agencies to investigate the matter and prevent a recurrence. No personnel were injured.

“TCN remains committed to safeguarding its installations and ensuring the safety of staff and infrastructure nationwide. The company has directed a formal report of the incident to the Oba’s Palace,” the company stated.

The attempted breach at Ogbomosho follows a recent security lapse at a TCN installation in Osogbo, highlighting the mounting pressure on electricity infrastructure nationwide.

In recent years, Nigeria’s power assets—especially transmission facilities—have faced increasing assaults from vandals, cable thieves and organized criminal groups seeking high‑value electrical components.

Stakeholders warn that the destruction of transmission towers, cables and substation equipment not only disrupts electricity supply but also imposes substantial replacement costs on the government and consumers.

In a separate announcement, TCN said it has begun the second phase of compensation payments to Project Affected Persons (PAPs) under the 330 kV Double Circuit QUAD Conductor Mando–Rimin Zakara Transmission Line Project in Kaduna State.

The company reported that the second‑phase compensation exercise started on May 7, 2026, in Shika, Zaria, with more than 2,000 claimants receiving payments.

TCN explained that the compensation process is part of efforts to clear the right‑of‑way before major transmission projects commence, in line with standard operational procedures.

According to the company, clearing transmission corridors is essential for safety, protecting infrastructure integrity and ensuring the smooth execution of projects.

It described the compensation programme as a significant milestone that demonstrates its commitment to fairness, transparency and effective community engagement in national power projects.

“The second phase of the compensation process began on Thursday, 7th May, 2026 in Shika, Zaria, Kaduna with over 2000 claimants receiving compensation,” the TCN said.