TCN blames vandalism of transmission towers on economic factors

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has stated that vandalism of transmission towers could be linked to economic reasons as most materials stolen are sold. Speaking during a sensitisation programme on protection of transmission towers at Leleyi Gbari community in Kwali Area Council of FCT, TCN’s Assistant General Manager, Engr  Ismaila Aminu Doguwa, said the […]

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has stated that vandalism of transmission towers could be linked to economic reasons as most materials stolen are sold.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme on protection of transmission towers at Leleyi Gbari community in Kwali Area Council of FCT, TCN’s Assistant General Manager, Engr  Ismaila Aminu Doguwa, said the agency has been experiencing cases of vandalism from the Gwagwalada region twice in a month which is impacting its operations.

Doguwa however said with the efforts of security agencies and vigilantes in the area, they have been able to bring vandalism to a minimum.

“What’s happening now is that the line that is bringing supply from Lokoja to Gwagwala, around December, when it was vandalised, we had to restring the line by searching for conductors around the country to use as it is scarce but 56 hours later, another team of vandals went and cut down the cable and went away with the cables. So, as I am speaking to you now, some of the lines are on the ground.”

He added that the company is still sourcing for cables to restore the line.

Earlier, TCN’s General Manager on Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah urged members of the community to report any sightings of unauthorised persons removing materials from the towers to vigilantes or any security personnel.

On his part, the Community Head, HRH Yusuf Sarki, while stressing that the community has been doing its best to secure the towers that passed through it, appealed for the community to also be connected to the national grid.