The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has arrested more than 30 suspected vandals following repeated attacks on electricity infrastructure along the Kumbotso–Zaria transmission line corridor, raising fresh concerns about the security of Nigeria’s power network.
The company’s Kano Regional General Manager, Muhammad Kamal-Bello, disclosed this on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, during a sensitisation campaign against vandalism and encroachment on transmission facilities in Paki community, Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to a report published by The PUNCH on October 28, Bello said about 10 transmission towers had been vandalised within four to five months in 2026. He added that five cases involving suspected vandals were currently before the courts.
Bello attributed the arrests to cooperation between TCN, residents, traditional rulers, the police and other security agencies.
He urged communities along the transmission corridor to help protect electricity infrastructure and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The regional manager also warned against excavation, construction and pit-digging near transmission towers, explaining that such activities could weaken their foundations and increase the risk of structural collapse.
He said the transmission lines carry electricity over distances of between 200 and 300 kilometres, meaning damage to supporting towers could disrupt power supply across wide areas. Replacing damaged structures would also require substantial expenditure.
The warning highlights the financial and operational consequences of attacks on transmission infrastructure, which can undermine electricity delivery and increase the cost of maintaining the national grid.
Nigeria’s power sector has continued to contend with vandalism of transmission facilities in different parts of the country. In August 2026, TCN reported the vandalism of six towers along the Yola–Jalingo 330kV transmission line, while the police arrested a principal suspect and recovered some stolen components, according to reports published by The PUNCH on August 6, 2026.
At the Paki sensitisation programme, the community’s district head, Ja’afaru Paki, commended TCN for engaging residents and traditional institutions in efforts to protect public infrastructure.
He said traditional leaders would intensify efforts to safeguard government assets within their communities.
The programme brought together district heads, Friday prayer imams and security representatives to discuss the dangers of vandalism and encroachment, including electrocution, fire outbreaks and the possible collapse of transmission towers.
TCN’s engagement with host communities is aimed at complementing law enforcement with public awareness and local cooperation to prevent further damage to electricity infrastructure.
The latest arrests underscore the importance of protecting transmission facilities, as damage to critical equipment can threaten electricity supply, impose additional repair costs and affect communities and businesses that depend on reliable power.
