The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said it recorded no fewer than 276 cases of tower vandalism between 2022 and 2025.
The TCN General Manager (Transmission), Lagos region, Adeshina Adeonipekun, disclosed this on Thursday during a sensitisation programme held in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The event organised by TCN Lagos region was to educate traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders and residents about the dangers of vandalising transmission towers, building under transmission line Right of Way (RoW), and excavating around TCN towers.
In recent years, vandalism has become a significant threat to Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, Mr Adeonipekun disclosed that TCN recorded no fewer than 276 cases of tower vandalism between 2022 and 2025.
He said the figure declined in 2026 due to improved collaboration with host communities and proactive efforts by TCN staff.
“This year, with the support of communities and the proactiveness of our staff, we have been able to reduce vandalism cases to about 40,” Mr Adeonipekun said.
He added that TCN has continued to strengthen measures to tackle vandalism, noting that the sensitisation programme remains one of TCN’s key strategies for engaging host communities and safeguarding critical national infrastructure.
He said the cases of vandalism within the South-West region have remained relatively minimal, while commending the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and security agencies for their support in apprehending culprits involved in vandalism.
Also speaking, Principal Manager (Lines), Kuye Emmanuel, said that the company has reinforced surveillance around transmission lines through community-based security arrangements.
“Apart from this awareness programme, we engage private vigilantes across communities and zones, who are paid monthly to help safeguard our transmission lines,” he stated.
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He further explained that TCN also provides incentives to farmers and residents within host communities as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and encourage prompt reporting of suspicious activities around transmission facilities.
In her remarks, the District Officer, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Itori Command, Olusola Balogun, warned residents against engaging in or supporting acts of vandalism, noting that the offence attracts imprisonment upon conviction.
“Vandalism is a criminal offence which can lead to imprisonment if offenders are found guilty by a court of law. Some people aid and contribute to vandalism knowingly or unknowingly, and this must stop,” she warned.
She added that vandalism of power infrastructure could lead to power outages, negatively affect the economy and pose serious security challenges to the country.
She urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
