Protect power assets or face blackouts, TCN warns Ebonyi communities

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has raised an alarm over the increasing vandalism of critical power infrastructure in Ebonyi State, warning that continued attacks on transmission facilities can trigger widespread blackouts, economic losses and serious safety hazards.

Thomas Inugonum, the General Manager, Transmission Company, Enugu Region, gave the warning on Thursday during a sensitisation programme held at Ezza Umuhuali Town Hall in Ishielu Local Government Area of the State.

Addressing traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, security personnel and journalists, Inugonum urged residents of Ezza Umuhuali, Ezillo, Umuhuali and Nkalagu communities to take ownership of transmission facilities in their areas and work with authorities to safeguard them.

He described vandalism of transmission towers and related installations as a major threat to national development and reliable electricity supply, stressing that the practice had become a growing challenge across the country.

According to him, common violations affecting transmission infrastructure include the theft of components from 330kV and 132kV lines, illegal construction within transmission corridors, excavation around tower foundations, trading and residential activities beneath power lines, as well as bush burning near tower bases.

Highlighting the dangers, Inugonum recalled that an alleged vandal was electrocuted in July 2025 while attempting to dismantle Tower 34 on the Nkalagu-Abakaliki 132kV transmission line in Ezillo.

He also cited the arrest of two suspected vandals on May 9, 2026, by a community vigilante group and youths in Ezza Umuhuali for allegedly removing tower components from Towers T15, T16 and T17 along the Nkalagu-Abakaliki transmission line.

“The tower, worth millions of naira, was removed and sold to scrap dealers for almost nothing. This is economic sabotage and must stop,” he said.

The TCN boss warned that persistent vandalism could lead to the collapse of transmission towers, prolonged power outages and the diversion of scarce government resources from development projects to emergency repairs.

“If we fail to protect these installations, criminals may eventually bring down several towers, causing total blackout and severe economic consequences,” he warned.

Inugonum disclosed that TCN recently lost six towers to vandalism on the Lafia-Api transmission line, while nine additional towers were damaged shortly afterwards.

He noted that each transmission tower costs about $330,000 to procure and install, making replacement a huge financial burden on the government.

“We do not manufacture these towers locally. They are imported, and replacing them consumes funds that could have been invested in expanding electricity infrastructure,” he said.

The general manager also cautioned residents against erecting houses, markets and other structures within transmission rights-of-way.

He explained that the approved corridor for a 132kV line is 15 metres on either side of the transmission line, while a 330kV line requires a clearance of 25 metres on either side.

According to him, living or conducting business under high-voltage lines exposes residents to the risk of electrocution and other safety hazards, especially in the event of line failures.

He referenced a transmission line incident in Ihamufu, Enugu State, in 2024, which contributed to prolonged electricity disruptions in parts of northern Nigeria, underscoring the strategic importance of protecting transmission corridors.

Inugonum appealed to residents to report suspicious activities around TCN installations to the company, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) or the police.

He further called on traditional rulers and community leaders to educate youths on the dangers of vandalism and support efforts to protect critical national assets.

Patrick Nwafor Udoku, the Traditional Ruler of Ezza Umuhuali Autonomous Community, commended TCN for taking the awareness campaign to the grassroots.

The monarch, an electrical engineer by training, said the programme would help prevent avoidable deaths and improve public understanding of the dangers associated with power installations.

“Your visit is primarily about saving lives and protecting our people. That is more valuable than any gift,” he said.

He pledged the community’s commitment to protecting transmission infrastructure and assisting security agencies in tracking and prosecuting vandals.

Solomon Nweke, President General of Ezza Umuhuali Town Union, attributed the arrest of suspected vandals in the area to the vigilance of local security operatives and community leaders.

He urged TCN to sustain its engagement with host communities and strengthen support for grassroots surveillance efforts.

Nweke described attacks on power facilities as a direct assault on the nation’s economy and warned that such acts put lives and property at risk.

The sensitisation programme is part of TCN’s nationwide campaign to encourage community participation in protecting critical electricity infrastructure, following similar engagements in Benue and Enugu states.

Participants pledged to collaborate with TCN and security agencies to safeguard transmission facilities serving their communities and the nation.