TCN, ONSA, NSCDC Move to Curb Vandalism of Power Infrastructure
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the nation’s critical electricity transmission infrastructure through enhanced collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The renewed commitment was the highlight of a strategic meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, aimed at strengthening inter-agency cooperation to combat vandalism and sabotage targeting transmission facilities nationwide.
Welcoming the delegation at the TCN Corporate Headquarters, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Engr. Dr. Sule Abdulaziz commended the growing partnership between TCN and security agencies in safeguarding the national transmission network. He said sustained inter-agency partnership, intelligence sharing, prompt response, and effective law enforcement are critical to combating vandalism and protecting critical national infrastructure.
Engr. Abdulaziz described the persistent destruction of transmission assets as a major financial and operational challenge. He cited the recent vandalism of six towers along the Apir–Makurdi transmission line and the theft of 14 spans of conductors on the Lambata 132kV line as examples of the impact.
The TCN Boss stated further that the tower vandalism forced the Company to mobilise contractors for emergency repairs despite financial constraints. While repair works were ongoing, vandals struck again, underscoring the need for more proactive and coordinated security measures.
Abdulaziz said TCN continues to run community sensitisation programmes across the country, engaging host communities, traditional rulers, and security agencies to promote collective ownership and protection of transmission facilities. Given the extensive spread of the network, he noted that there is an urgent need to deploy technology-driven surveillance and establish a joint monitoring centre to enable real-time monitoring and faster response to security threats.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Army Intelligence Programme (NAIP) from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Air Vice Marshal E.E. Effiom, said innovative approaches are needed to protect critical national assets. He proposed a three-tier strategy: *Delay* through physical barriers to slow intruders, *Awareness* through surveillance technology for early detection, and *Response* to apprehend and prosecute offenders.
Effiom added that effective infrastructure protection requires physical deterrents, technology-driven surveillance, and rapid security response. He noted that while community vigilantes are important partners, their effectiveness depends on timely intelligence and adequate technological support.
Assistant Commandant General (Power) Akinlade Esther O., representing the NSCDC, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to supporting TCN in safeguarding transmission infrastructure. She added that NSCDC commands across the Federation are ready to respond to reported incidents and work with TCN to investigate and prosecute offenders.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by TCN, ONSA, and the NSCDC to deepen institutional collaboration through improved intelligence sharing, regular stakeholder engagement, and coordinated security operations. Stakeholders said sustained partnership will reduce incidents of vandalism and contribute to a more reliable and resilient national grid.
TCN said the meeting was attended by its management, senior officials of the Office of the National Security Adviser, and representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
