The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it has apprehended more than 30 suspected vandals in its efforts to protect transmission infrastructure.

The company had also intensified public sensitisation across the country to prevent vandalism and protect electricity transmission infrastructure.

The general manager of TCN, Muhammad Kamal-Bello, who spoke during a sensitisation exercise on Wednesday in Kano, said there was a need for communities to support efforts to safeguard transmission towers and other electricity facilities.

The sensitisation drew participants from across the spectrum of electricity consumers, including government officials, traditional and religious leaders, artisans, civil society organisations, youths, and the media, among others.

The awareness campaign focused on safety risks, encroachment, electrocution, fire hazards and structural collapse, with a vivid explanation of how vandalism affects the grid and electricity availability.

Mr Kamal-Bello said destruction of transmission infrastructure could affect electricity supply, adding that residents should avoid activities that could compromise the safety of the facilities.

According to him, “The company has enjoyed substantial cooperation from communities along the Kumbotso-Zaria transmission line.

“TCN has apprehended more than 30 suspected vandals in its efforts to protect transmission infrastructure.” 

Mr Kamal-Bello said digging close to transmission towers could weaken the foundations, which could lead to collapse and disrupt electricity supply.

He commended trafitional institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders for their cooperation with TCN and emphasised the importance of their collective efforts in protecting electricity facilities.

The general manager urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around transmission towers and other installations to the appropriate authorities.

On his part, Hakimin Gunduwawan Paki, Ja’afaru Aliyu-Paki, described electricity as essential to development, infrastructure and security.

Mr Aliyu-Paki urged members of the community to support efforts in protecting substations and other electricity infrastructure against vandalism.

He commended TCN for organising the sensitisation exercise and its efforts to protect transmission facilities and improve electricity supply.

Mr Aliyu-Paki also called for sustained cooperation between the company and communities to ensure the safety of electricity infrastructure.

(NAN)