The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and key stakeholders in the power, telecommunications and construction sectors have intensified efforts to protect critical infrastructure in Edo State from vandalism, illegal excavation and other forms of damage.
The resolution was reached at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting convened by the Edo State Command of the NSCDC on Tuesday in Benin City, where participants discussed the growing threat to electricity transmission facilities and fibre optic infrastructure.
This development is contained in a Statement issued by TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah and made available to TV360.
Speaking at the meeting, TCN’s Principal Manager, Telecommunications, Engr. Onya W. Chukwuma, described Benin as a strategic electricity transmission hub linking several parts of the country.
He noted that TCN’s transmission towers support both high-voltage power lines and fibre optic telecommunications infrastructure, making them critical national assets.
According to him, vandalism of transmission towers not only disrupts electricity supply but also affects telecommunications services, while posing significant risks to lives and property.
Chukwuma commended the NSCDC for its efforts in safeguarding TCN’s facilities and called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, telecommunications operators, construction firms and other stakeholders to curb vandalism and prevent accidental damage to critical infrastructure.
Earlier, the Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical national assets.
He expressed concern over the increasing incidence of fibre optic cable cuts caused by excavation activities and disclosed that 25 suspects had been arrested for offences related to infrastructure vandalism and damage.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders agreed to establish a WhatsApp platform to facilitate real-time information sharing and ensure prompt response to incidents affecting critical infrastructure across the state.
The meeting was attended by representatives of TCN, MTN, Airtel, Globacom (Glo), T2 Mobile, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), construction companies, the Fiber Optic Cable Maintenance Engineers Association, as well as officials of relevant federal and Edo State government agencies.
