KEY POINTS
- TCN reports major attack on 132kV transmission line in Gurara LGA
- Community, security agencies mobilise against rising vandalism
- Authorities warn of economic, safety and legal consequences
The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has raised alarm over a surge in attacks on electricity infrastructure in Niger State, confirming that vandals have destroyed 14 spans of its 132-kilovolt transmission line in the Lambata axis of Gurara Local Government Area.
The company described the incident as a serious act of economic sabotage capable of disrupting electricity supply, endangering lives, and slowing down efforts to improve power distribution and industrial development in the region.
Speaking at a security and community engagement meeting held in Lambata, the TCN General Manager for the Abuja Region, Musa Shuaibu, said repeated vandalism had forced the company to seek stronger collaboration with traditional rulers, security agencies, and local vigilante groups.
Representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Niger State Road Traffic Management Agency, and local vigilantes attended the meeting to discuss ways to curb the growing attacks on critical infrastructure.
Shuaibu explained that the affected transmission line, built over four decades ago during the Shehu Shagari administration, was originally designed to supply electricity from the Shiroro axis through Minna, Bida, and Suleja to the Federal Capital Territory.
He noted that the infrastructure had operated for years without major disruption until recent criminal activities began targeting and stealing its conductors.
According to him, restoring the damaged sections would cost about ₦32 million if handled internally, with even higher costs if awarded as a formal contract. He lamented that funds meant for improving power infrastructure were now being diverted to repairs caused by vandalism.
Shuaibu also warned residents about the broader consequences of the attacks, stressing that power outages could affect hospitals, homes, and businesses. He added that damaged high-voltage lines could still carry residual electricity, posing deadly risks to farmers and livestock in affected areas.
He further revealed that the vandalised lines are part of the network that supplies electricity to distribution companies, including the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), warning that continued attacks could discourage industrial investment and slow economic growth in Niger State.
