The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Benin Region, has conducted a sensitization programme in Ogun State aimed at educating host communities on the need to protect transmission infrastructure from vandalism and report suspicious activities around power facilities.
Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs, TCN revealed this today Sunday in a Statement made available to TV360.
The programme, held on Friday, May 22, 2026, also focused on enlightening residents about the dangers of erecting buildings within transmission line Right of Way corridors and the risks such actions pose to lives and critical national infrastructure.
Speaking on behalf of the General Manager, Benin Region, Engr. Charles C. Iwuamadi, the Assistant General Manager, Engr. Mathew Ariyibi, said the outreach became necessary because transmission lines pass through several rural communities where vandalism and encroachment remain major concerns.
According to Ariyibi, patrol teams have discovered cases where tower components were tampered with, stressing that residents are often the first to notice suspicious movements around transmission facilities.
He urged community members to promptly report such incidents to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.
Ariyibi further disclosed that TCN is collaborating with local vigilantes and community leaders to monitor installations in remote areas, noting that active community participation is essential to safeguarding the nation’s power infrastructure.
Addressing the issue of Right of Way encroachment, he warned residents against constructing buildings or erecting structures within transmission corridors, citing serious safety implications.
Also speaking at the event, Principal Manager, Health, Safety and Environment, Mr. Abaniyo Otaru, described vandalism as the deliberate destruction of public infrastructure critical to national development.
He said attacks on transmission facilities disrupt electricity supply, weaken economic activities, and create opportunities for criminal activities.
“These lines carry up to 330 kilovolts of electricity. Tampering with them endangers lives and destabilizes power supply,” Otaru warned, while calling on community leaders to support efforts to protect transmission installations.
Similarly, Engr. Pius Afonriwo described vandalism as a major challenge affecting power transmission across the country and appealed to residents to work closely with security agencies and TCN to safeguard critical infrastructure.
“These facilities belong to all Nigerians. Let us work together to protect them,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the community, the Moyegesho of Itele Kingdom, Oba Mufutau Kasali, represented by Chief Stephen Pledge, assured TCN of the community’s commitment to protecting transmission installations in the area.
He noted that the community understands the critical role transmission infrastructure plays in sustaining electricity supply and supporting national development.
The sensitization programme forms part of TCN’s ongoing efforts to curb vandalism, prevent Right of Way encroachment, and strengthen the reliability and stability of bulk power transmission across its network.
