The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has stepped up efforts to curb vandalism and protect critical electricity infrastructure with a sensitisation campaign for communities in Alaoji, Aba, Abia State.
The campaign, organised by TCN's Port Harcourt Region, brought together traditional rulers, youth leaders, community members and security agencies to address the rising threat of infrastructure vandalism and encroachment on transmission Right of Way corridors.
Speaking at the event, the Assistant General Manager of TCN's Aba Sub-Region, Engr. Juliet Ndi Ukomadu, raised concerns over the repeated vandalism of transmission facilities, including earthing wires, cables and tower members.
According to a statement on Monday, she warned that the destruction of critical components of transmission towers could trigger cascading collapses, leading to the failure of multiple towers and widespread disruption of electricity supply.
Ukomadu urged members of host communities to break their silence and take collective responsibility for protecting power installations in their areas.
She called on residents to promptly report suspicious activities around TCN facilities and cautioned against erecting buildings within transmission Right of Way corridors.
According to her, vandalism and illegal construction under transmission lines pose serious dangers to lives, property and the stability of the national grid.
Also speaking, the Head of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Etang Edike, warned that anyone caught vandalising power infrastructure would face the full weight of the law.
Edike disclosed that the NSCDC had deployed a dedicated patrol vehicle and six armed personnel to respond swiftly to reports and apprehend suspected vandals.
He appealed to traditional rulers, youth leaders and other residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in protecting critical national assets.
The traditional ruler of Ekiti Akoma Ngwa Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Elder Promise Oguibe, assured TCN of the community's commitment to safeguarding transmission facilities within its territory.
Other participants at the engagement also pledged their support and collaboration with TCN and security agencies to protect electricity infrastructure serving their communities.
The sensitisation campaign is part of TCN's broader efforts to strengthen community participation in the protection of transmission infrastructure, amid persistent cases of vandalism and encroachment that threaten the reliability of power supply across the country.