TCN says power vandalism cases dropped to 40 in 2026 following stronger community engagement and security measures

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has announced a significant reduction in attacks on electricity infrastructure, revealing that it recorded 40 cases of vandalism nationwide since the beginning of 2026.

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The company disclosed the figures during a sensitisation programme organised by its Lagos Region in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State on Thursday.

General Manager of Transmission at TCN, Adeshina Adeonipekun, said the latest figure reflected a marked improvement compared to previous years, attributing the progress to sustained collaboration with host communities and proactive interventions by company personnel.

According to Adeonipekun, the company recorded no fewer than 276 cases of tower vandalism between 2022 and 2025.

“This year, with the support of communities and proactiveness of our staff, we have been able to minimise the issue of vandalism to about 40,” he said.

The power vandalism challenge has remained a major concern for Nigeria’s electricity sector, with repeated attacks on transmission towers often triggering blackouts, disrupting businesses and weakening national power supply.

Adeonipekun explained that TCN conducts yearly sensitisation campaigns in different communities to strengthen public awareness and improve cooperation in protecting critical infrastructure.

The official added that incidents of vandalism within the South-West were relatively lower compared to other parts of the country.

Principal Manager of Lines at the Transmission Company of Nigeria, Kuye Emmanuel, disclosed that the company had engaged local vigilantes across communities to help safeguard transmission towers and power lines.

“Apart from this awareness, we arrange private vigilantes from zone to zone within the community that are being paid monthly to safeguard our lines,” Emmanuel said.

He added that the company also supports farmers and residents in host communities through incentives aimed at encouraging vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities around transmission installations.

The sensitisation exercise focused on the dangers associated with vandalising power facilities, building structures under transmission line rights of way and excavating near transmission towers.

Adeonipekun further noted that the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies had supported the company in apprehending suspected vandals linked to attacks on power infrastructure.

Speaking during the programme, the Olu of Itori land, Oba Akorede Akamo, commended the initiative and called for the awareness campaign to become an annual exercise.

“This awareness is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. It was last held four years ago here in Itori. We commend TCN’s efforts and appeal for it to be held, at least, once a year,” the monarch said.

According to the traditional ruler, community heads across the 127 communities under his domain had consistently warned residents against tampering with transmission facilities.

District Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Itori, Mrs Olusola Balogun, warned residents against assisting vandals, stressing that vandalism remained a criminal offence punishable under the law.

Balogun said attacks on electricity infrastructure could lead to prolonged power outages while also affecting the economy and national security.

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The Divisional Police Officer of Itori Police Station, CSP Dapo Ojekunle, also urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities and suspected vandals to law enforcement authorities.