Three suspected vandals have been arrested in connection with the destruction of critical power installations in Agbogugu, Enugu State, marking the latest effort by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to combat rampant vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
The suspects were apprehended on March 24 during a joint operation involving community members and law enforcement agencies, according to TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah. They are currently in custody pending trial, highlighting the growing challenge of safeguarding Nigeria’s power grid amid frequent sabotage incidents.
Vandalism has become a persistent issue for TCN, with several transmission towers and cables targeted across the country. Earlier this year, over 18 towers were damaged in Rivers, Abia, and Kano States, while underground cables were stolen in Abuja, causing widespread outages. These acts not only disrupt electricity supply but also hinder efforts to stabilize the national grid.
Mbah emphasized the importance of community vigilance and collaboration with security agencies to protect infrastructure. “By working together, we can ensure a robust transmission network and prevent such incidents,” she stated.
The Federal Government has also announced plans to engage communities nationwide to address this menace. The Ministry of Power is working closely with security agencies and the Office of the National Security Adviser to explore strategies for curbing vandalism.
