TCN Mobilises Ebonyi Communities Against Vandalism, Warns on Dangers of Encroaching Power Infrastructure

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has intensified efforts to protect critical power infrastructure by launching a sensitisation campaign in host communities across Ebonyi State, warning residents against vandalism, illegal construction and other activities capable of endangering lives and disrupting electricity supply.

The awareness exercise, conducted by the Enugu Region of TCN, took place in Umuhuali, Ezillo and Nkalagu communities on June 18 amid growing concerns over attacks on transmission facilities and encroachment on the company’s Right of Way (RoW).

Speaking during the campaign, the General Manager (Transmission), Enugu Region, Dr. Thomas Inugonum, said the initiative was aimed at strengthening collaboration between TCN and communities hosting power installations to safeguard critical national assets.

He identified vandalism of 330kV and 132kV transmission lines, illegal structures within transmission corridors, excavation around tower foundations, farming and trading beneath high-voltage lines, and the burning of refuse under transmission facilities as major threats to the national grid.

According to him, such activities not only endanger public safety but also undermine efforts to ensure stable electricity supply across the country.

Dr. Inugonum noted that similar sensitisation exercises conducted in parts of Benue and Enugu states had yielded positive results, expressing optimism that host communities in Ebonyi would also embrace the campaign and support efforts to protect transmission infrastructure.

The TCN official recalled a recent incident in Ezillo where an alleged vandal lost his life after being electrocuted while attempting to tamper with Tower 34 on the Nkalagu-Abakaliki 132kV transmission line.

He also disclosed that community vigilance led to the arrest of two suspected vandals on May 9, 2026, after critical components were removed from transmission towers along the Nkalagu-Abakaliki 132kV Single Circuit line.

“Transmission tower components worth millions of naira are often stolen and sold to scrap dealers for a fraction of their value, causing huge losses to the nation and threatening the stability of power supply,” he said.

Dr. Inugonum called for stronger grassroots surveillance and closer cooperation between communities and security agencies, urging residents to promptly report suspicious activities around transmission facilities.

The sensitisation exercise began with a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Umuhuali Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Patrick Nwafor Udoku, who pledged the support of his community in protecting TCN installations and preventing encroachment on transmission corridors.

The monarch assured the delegation that community leaders would continue to sensitise residents on the importance of safeguarding electricity infrastructure.

Also speaking, the President General of Ezza Umuhuali Town Union, Hon. Solomon Nweke, commended local vigilantes and community leaders for their role in the arrest of suspected vandals.

He described attacks on power facilities as a direct threat to national development and economic growth, stressing that communities have a responsibility to protect infrastructure located within their domains.

Nweke urged TCN to sustain engagement with host communities and strengthen support for local surveillance initiatives aimed at preventing vandalism.

The campaign concluded with community representatives reaffirming their commitment to working with TCN and security agencies to protect transmission facilities and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to consumers.

The sensitisation exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by TCN to curb vandalism and enhance the security of power infrastructure across the country.