The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) says it has intensified surveillance in collaboration with security agencies to tackle the rising cases of vandalism across its franchise areas.

The managing director and chief executive officer of YEDC, Abduraman Isa, disclosed this during a customer and stakeholder engagement forum on Monday in Yola.

The forum, themed “YEDC and NERC Combined Stakeholders Awareness Townhall Engagement”, brought together representatives of traditional institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, and the business community.

Mr Isa said over 100 persons involved in vandalising power infrastructure were arrested and prosecuted in 2024.

He stated that the company would continue to partner with law enforcement agencies to address the menace.

The YEDC boss urged electricity consumers to protect infrastructure in their communities and report suspicious activities.

Mr Isa also announced that YEDC had concluded arrangements to commence the free distribution of prepaid meters to all mapped customers under its metering plan.

He said the engagement was part of the company’s 2025 strategic outreach to deepen collaboration and address customer concerns.

He noted that similar initiatives in the past had significantly improved service delivery.

Also speaking, the chief commercial officer of YEDC, Babatunde Ayoola, decried the destruction of four transmission towers between Gombe and Damaturu in 2024, which resulted in major power outages in parts of the region.

Mr Ayoola urged customers to be vigilant and to channel their complaints through the company’s official platforms for prompt response and resolution.

Chairman of the occasion, Sa’idu Bikkoi, commended the management of YEDC for organising the forum and stressed the need for continuous staff training in customer service and complaint management.

Representing the Lamido of Adamawa, the district head of Yola, Zubairu Mustapha, appealed to electricity users to desist from tampering with or bypassing meters, noting that such actions disrupt a stable power supply.

A representative of the Kwandi Nuguraya, Jafet Gajere, called on YEDC to sustain its efforts in improving service delivery, especially in rural areas.

Highlights of the forum included cultural performances, a drama presentation, and an interactive session between stakeholders and YEDC officials.  

(NAN)