The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says vandalism of its transmission facilities by hoodlums is a major hurdle it faces across the country, calling for proactive measures to curb the menace.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), TCN Regional Head of Operations for South West, Adesina Adeonipekun, said this during a sensitization and awareness program on safety and security of the company’s facilities on Monday in Osogbo.
The regional office in Osogbo covers Osun, Oyo, Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo and Ogun states.
Adeonipekun warned hoodlums against vandalism at their facilities in the region and called for concerted efforts by stakeholders to safeguard broadcasting facilities across the region.
He said the reason for the stakeholder meeting was to create awareness about the dangers of vandalizing transmission facilities and how it could be safeguarded through collective collaboration of stakeholders.
“The huge amount of money used by TCN to purchase and repair vandalized transmission facilities is significant and could be used to provide necessary facilities in other communities that need them.
“We need to speak up whenever we notice illegal activities carried out by vandals in our society,” he added.
He revealed that TCN has made plans to provide stakeholders with mobile phones and recharge cards to ensure effective communication with TCN in case of any emergency.
“We will collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure our facilities are protected,” he said.
Adeonipekun commended President Bola Tinubu for implementing proactive policies to ensure adequate supply of electricity in the country.
The Deputy Commander of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Adeduro Agbeye, said the force would continue to intensify its fight against vandalism of critical national assets by hoodlums.
Agbeye said the force had made several arrests for vandalism and invasion of national property by hoodlums.
He urged stakeholders to sensitize their citizens on the need to stay away from power transmission cables that could endanger lives.
“We will continue to discuss this awareness in our divisions and local government meetings in the state to open everyone’s eyes to the dangers of vandalism.
“We also want to appeal to neighbors to always say something whenever they see any type of vandalism in their surroundings.
“Residents should pay close attention to what is happening within their communities and also report any cases of vandalism.
“Traditional rulers must sensitize their subjects on the consequences of doing business and building houses under power transmission facilities in the state,” he said.
Agbeye said the force would start arresting anyone found under TCN cables from January 2026.
TCN Deputy Managing Director, Osogbo Sub-Region, Mrs Chizoba Ezeoke, said the company would continue to engage stakeholders to ensure that vandals and criminally minded individuals are prevented from destroying TCN facilities.
Ezeoke advised stakeholders to report any vandalism or suspicious activity in their communities for quick intervention by security agencies.
Security agencies, traditional rulers, among other actors, were present at the meeting.