Vandals destroy 14 power tower spans in Niger, TCN laments

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has raised concerns over increasing attacks on electricity infrastructure in Niger State, revealing that vandals have destroyed 14 tower spans of its 132-kilovolt high-voltage transmission line in the Lambata axis of the Gurara Local Government Area.

The company described the development as an economic sabotage capable of undermining electricity supply, threatening lives and frustrating efforts to improve power distribution and industrial growth in the state.

Speaking during a security and community engagement meeting held in Lambata on Monday, the General Manager, Transmission, Abuja Region of TCN, Musa Shuaibu, said the company had been forced to seek the support of traditional rulers, vigilante groups and security agencies following repeated incidents of vandalism in the area.

Officials of the local vigilante group, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Niger State Road Traffic Management Agency were also present at the meeting, where they deliberated on the rising incidents of vandalism of transmission infrastructure in the area and explored practical measures to address the challenge.

Shuaibu explained that the affected 132kV transmission line, constructed during the administration of former President Shehu Shagari more than four decades ago, was originally designed to wheel electricity from the Shiroro axis through Minna, Bida and Suleja to the Federal Capital Territory, serving as one of the earliest high-voltage infrastructures that supported power supply to the nation’s capital and surrounding communities.

According to him, the line had operated for decades without major interference until recently, when criminals began targeting its conductors.

“What we intend to do is to hold a meeting with our fathers here. Likewise, the security personnel here. We have been having issues with our transmission lines. Transmission lines have been vandalised repeatedly. It has never happened before in Niger State. We used to hear it. It does happen in Niger State, but not in this area. Not in this particular area. And it has become worrisome to all of us.

“These lines have been in existence for close to 40 years. When they were constructed, nobody ever imagined that people would one day wake up and decide to vandalise them. But suddenly, some individuals have taken it upon themselves to cut these conductors and sell them for little amounts of money,” he said.

Shuaibu lamented that the destruction of transmission facilities was depriving TCN of resources that could have been invested in improving electricity infrastructure and supporting host communities.

“We have about 14 spans of this conductor vandalised. If we are to restore them directly within the region, our calculations indicate it will cost us about N32m. If the work is eventually awarded as a contract, the cost may become much higher.

“This is money that should have been used to improve facilities and strengthen the power supply. Instead, we are diverting scarce resources to repair damage caused by some individuals out of sheer wickedness,” he stated.

The TCN official stressed that the consequences of vandalism extended beyond financial losses, warning that a disruption to the electricity supply could affect hospitals, businesses and households.

“By the time these lines are cut, and supply goes off, your wife, your brother, your sister or even someone in the hospital who needs electricity for medical procedures may be affected.

“These people are not spirits. They are human beings like you and me. They live within our communities. That is why we are appealing to our traditional rulers, community leaders and parents to speak to their people and discourage them from engaging in these criminal acts,” he added.

Shuaibu further warned about the safety implications of damaged high-voltage lines, explaining that residual voltage from fallen conductors could cause fatalities.

“When these lines are vandalised, there can still be residual voltage on the conductors. Farmers working around the area may unknowingly come into contact with them.

“We have seen situations where animals die after coming close to such installations. We do not pray for human casualties. That is why everyone must take this issue seriously,” he said.

He noted that the vandalised infrastructure directly supplies power to distribution companies.

“It is these transmission lines that supply the distribution companies before electricity gets to consumers. We don’t deal directly with customers, but we supply the AEDC. If the line is not available, how do we give them power to distribute?” he queried.

Shuaibu also linked the development to broader economic implications, saying that the destruction of transmission assets could impede the Niger State Electricity Commission’s operations and discourage industrial investment.

“If these lines are not there, how will the commission function effectively? Potential investors may refuse to establish industries in the state because of inadequate infrastructure.

“The government stands to lose revenue. Industries that should create jobs and contribute taxes may not come because the enabling infrastructure has been compromised,” he added.

The TCN official disclosed that several suspects arrested in connection with attacks on transmission facilities in the Federal Capital Territory were already facing prosecution.

“Presently, we have suspects who were apprehended for vandalising TCN assets. Cases have been taken to court and those found guilty face severe punishment.

“People should understand that once they are caught, their lives may be permanently altered because the law is taking these offences seriously,” he warned.

He appealed to residents to report suspicious activity around transmission corridors, promising that communities that help expose vandals would be recognised.

“If any community helps us identify those vandalising these facilities and they are apprehended and prosecuted, we are going to give a token of appreciation to that community.

“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps cannot do it alone. TCN staff cannot do it alone. We need collective responsibility,” he said.

The official further revealed that 19 suspects arrested for allegedly vandalising electricity infrastructure within the Abuja Region are currently being held at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the commencement of their trial.

“Right now, as I am speaking with you, we have 19 suspects presently in Kuje who were caught vandalising TCN property. The law applies everywhere in our region. We have been informed that the punishment is very severe and there is no option of a fine. Anybody caught engaging in this act should know that it could ruin his future completely,” he said.