The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has arrested more than 30 suspected vandals of electricity infrastructure along the Kumbotso–Zaria transmission line corridor, following increased efforts to protect critical power facilities in Kano and Kaduna states.
The Kano Regional General Manager of TCN, M.K. Bello, disclosed this on Wednesday during a sensitisation campaign against vandalism and encroachment on transmission facilities in Paki community, Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Bello said the arrests were made through collaboration between the company, traditional rulers, residents, the police and other security agencies.
He revealed that about 10 transmission towers had been vandalised within four to five months in 2026, describing the development as a major threat to electricity infrastructure and reliable power supply.
“We have about five cases before the courts over these issues,” Bello said, indicating that the company was pursuing legal action against suspected perpetrators.
He warned residents against digging pits, excavating land or undertaking construction activities close to transmission towers, explaining that such practices could undermine the structural stability of the facilities and lead to their collapse.
According to him, transmission lines carry electricity across distances of between 200 and 300 kilometres, meaning that damage to a supporting tower could disrupt power transmission over a wide area.
“The digging of pits and construction activities taking place close to our transmission towers are major concerns. These towers support lines that transmit electricity over distances of more than 200 to 300 kilometres. If anything happens to any of these towers, they could collapse, and replacing them would cost a lot of money,” he said.
The regional manager expressed appreciation to the Paki community and its traditional leadership for supporting efforts to safeguard the facilities, noting that cooperation with security agencies had contributed to the arrests.
“We have arrested more than 30 suspected vandals, particularly in this area. We are very grateful to the community, especially the district head, the police and other security agencies, for their cooperation and support in protecting our transmission infrastructure,” Bello stated.
He urged residents to avoid activities capable of endangering transmission towers and report suspicious movements, vandalism or illegal encroachment to the relevant authorities.
Bello said community participation remained essential to preventing damage to electricity infrastructure and reducing disruptions along the Kumbotso–Zaria transmission corridor.
In his remarks, the District Head of Paki, Ja’afaru Paki, commended TCN for engaging traditional institutions and communities located along the transmission line route.
Paki said the sensitisation exercise had reinforced the commitment of traditional rulers to protecting government property and raising awareness about the consequences of vandalism.
“The protection of public property is one of our priorities. We do not only monitor electricity infrastructure; we also keep a close eye on all government assets within our district. TCN’s recognition of our efforts has further encouraged us to do more to protect these important facilities,” he said.
The district head disclosed that the programme attracted district heads from communities along the transmission corridor, Friday prayer imams and representatives of security outposts operating within the area and neighbouring communities.
Participants were briefed on the importance of safeguarding electricity facilities and the potential consequences of vandalism and encroachment on power infrastructure.
Paki stressed that reliable electricity was essential for community development, economic activities, security and the delivery of other essential services, adding that protecting transmission facilities required sustained cooperation among residents, traditional institutions and security agencies.
He also highlighted the contributions of the district’s Peace Promotion Committee and Friday prayer imams in promoting peaceful coexistence, community awareness and collective responsibility through outreach programmes and religious sermons.
Paki said TCN’s recognition of the community’s efforts would encourage residents to strengthen their support for the protection of electricity infrastructure.
