Nigerian power sector adopts vigilante models to safeguard grid stability

…experts advocate investment in modern technologies to strenghten surveillance

The Nigerian power sector has faced persistent challenges due to the frequent impact of vandals attacking critical infrastructure. With over 276 cases recorded between 2022 and 2025, the Federal Government, through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has transitioned away from centralised surveillance toward a community-led approach.

​Transmission Company of Nigeria declares force majeure following attacks

​The TCN recently reported several armed robberies at the Ogbomosho Transmission Substation and the Offa 132kV Transmission Substation within the Osogbo Region. These incidents led to the declaration of force majeure on the facilities. In both cases, the company stated that armed men invaded the stations, forcefully gained access to the control rooms, and held personnel at gunpoint.

​Ndidi Mbah, General Manager of Public Affairs, confirmed in an official document that attackers ordered operators to open the Offa and Ojoku 33kV feeders at approximately 12:45 a.m. on Thursday, 7 May 2026. The assailants demanded a total shutdown of the substation, tampered with control switches and relay buttons, and opened a 40MVA transformer.

​Shift toward community-led surveillance and education

​To mitigate these threats, the TCN has commenced sensitisation programmes within host communities. These initiatives bring together traditional rulers, security agencies, and residents to educate the public on the dangers of sabotaging transmission towers. The programme also addresses the risks of constructing buildings under the Right of Way (RoW) or excavating near TCN infrastructure.

​Kuye Emmanuel, Principal Manager (Lines), spoke during a programme in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State. He noted that the company has reinforced surveillance 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,” Emmanuel stated.

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​Strengthening cooperation with host communities

​The TCN is also providing incentives to farmers and residents to encourage the prompt reporting of suspicious activities. Adeshina Adeonipekun, General Manager (Transmission) for the Lagos Region, reported that incidents of vandalism have reduced significantly this year. He attributed this success to proactive staff efforts and improved collaboration with local communities.

​Adeonipekun noted that while cases in the South-West region remain relatively minimal, the company continues to strengthen its measures. He commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and various security agencies for their support in apprehending culprits. This year, the TCN has successfully reduced the number of recorded vandalism cases to approximately 40.

​Expert calls for national whistleblowing policies

​Adetayo Adegbemle, Executive Director of PowerUp Nigeria, told BusinessDay that incessant attacks require a concerted national effort. He emphasised the need for a national campaign against vandalism and suggested that the government adopt whistleblowing policies to reward the reporting of suspicious activities.

​Adegbemle suggested that the frequency of attacks on grid infrastructure compared to telecommunications suggests the possibility of “inside jobs.” He argued that security agencies must be more proactive, noting that vandalism remains attractive only as long as there is a market for stolen components. He stressed that the nation must go beyond “paying lip service” to the issue.

​Impact of infrastructure sabotage on national resources

​Kunle Olubiyo, President of the Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, described the impact of repeated vandalism as enormous and immeasurable. He noted that such acts drain national resources and result in significant revenue losses. To resolve this, Olubiyo advocated for investment in modern technology to monitor the electricity network in real-time.

​Olubiyo recommended the deployment of satellite-enabled surveillance systems, drone patrols, and wide aerial monitoring via helicopters. He concluded that securing power infrastructure requires a substantial commitment of both financial resources and manpower, supported by advanced technological integration to cover the vast national landscape.