TCN Mobilises Aba Communities Against Vandalism, RoW Encroachment By Raymond Enoch
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Port Harcourt Region, has intensified its campaign against the vandalism of power infrastructure and encroachment on transmission Right of Way (RoW) with a community awareness programme in Alaoji, Aba, Ugwunagbo Local Government Area of Abia State.
The awareness campaign, held on August 28, 2026, brought together traditional rulers, youths and other stakeholders from communities hosting TCN transmission installations, with a focus on protecting critical electricity infrastructure and preventing acts capable of disrupting power supply.
Speaking during the engagement, the Assistant General Manager (AGM), Aba Sub-Region, Engr. Juliet Ndi Ukomadu, raised concerns over the repeated vandalism of TCN earthing wires, cables and tower members by some youths, warning that such acts could trigger cascading tower collapses.
According to her, the removal or destruction of critical components of transmission towers weakens the structures and could result in the collapse of multiple towers simultaneously, with serious consequences for electricity transmission and the communities they serve.
Ukomadu urged traditional rulers, youths and other community stakeholders to break the silence surrounding infrastructure sabotage by promptly reporting suspicious movements or activities around TCN installations.
She also sensitised residents on the dangers associated with tampering with transmission infrastructure, stressing the need to desist from vandalism and the construction of buildings or other structures within transmission Right of Way.
Also speaking, the Head of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Etang Edike, warned that anyone apprehended vandalising critical power infrastructure would face the full weight of the law.
Edike disclosed that the NSCDC had stationed a dedicated patrol vehicle and six armed personnel in the area, who could be deployed to any location upon receiving a distress call to apprehend suspected vandals.
He called on members of the affected communities to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around transmission installations to security agencies, stressing that community intelligence remained critical to protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure.
The traditional ruler of Ekiti Akoma Ngwa Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Elder Promise Oguibe, assured TCN of the community’s commitment to protecting the transmission infrastructure traversing the area.
Participants drawn from the various communities also pledged their unalloyed cooperation with TCN and security agencies in safeguarding transmission facilities and preventing vandalism, encroachment and other activities capable of undermining reliable electricity supply in their localities.
