The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has raised alarm over rising vandalism of electricity infrastructure in Niger State, revealing that 14 spans of its 132kV transmission line in Lambata, Gurara Local Government Area, have been destroyed.
Speaking at a security and community engagement meeting, Musa Shuaibu, General Manager of TCN’s Abuja Region, described the attacks as “economic sabotage” that threatens electricity supply, public safety, and industrial growth.
He noted that the line, built over 40 years ago during President Shehu Shagari’s administration, had operated without major interference until recently.
Shuaibu explained that repairing the damage would cost at least ₦32 million, diverting scarce resources from infrastructure upgrades.
He warned that vandalism could disrupt power to hospitals, businesses, and households, and even cause fatalities due to residual voltage from fallen conductors.
“These people are not spirits. They live within our communities. We appeal to traditional rulers and parents to discourage this criminal act,” he said.
Security agencies, vigilante groups, and traditional leaders pledged support to protect the towers.
Police representatives stressed that transmission facilities are critical national assets, while community leaders urged vigilance and better logistics for monitoring.
TCN disclosed that 19 suspects arrested for vandalism in the Abuja Region are currently held at Kuje Correctional Centre awaiting trial, with offenders facing severe penalties.
The company also promised to reward communities that help expose vandals.The meeting forms part of TCN’s wider campaign to safeguard power infrastructure, as vandalism remains a major challenge to Nigeria’s electricity supply chain.
Between 2022 and 2025, the company recorded at least 276 cases of tower vandalism, with 40 incidents already reported in 2026.
