Precious Anga
Lagos — The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has foiled an attempted theft of critical power transmission infrastructure at its 330/132kV transmission substation in Bauchi, preventing what could have disrupted electricity transmission and compromised grid reliability in the region.
The incident, which occurred over the weekend, was successfully contained after security personnel stationed at the facility intercepted suspected vandals attempting to dismantle components of a transmission tower.
In a statement issued on Sunday, TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, said the swift response of the security team forced the suspects to abandon the operation and flee the scene before any damage could be inflicted on the facility.
According to the company, a subsequent inspection of the substation premises led to the recovery of 12 transmission tower angle irons, a heavy-duty metal measuring scale and a white pickup truck believed to have been used by the suspects during the attempted theft.
TCN disclosed that the recovered materials, alongside the abandoned vehicle, have been handed over to the Railway Division Police Station in Bauchi to support ongoing investigations and efforts to identify those responsible for the attempted vandalism.
The company confirmed that no transmission equipment was stolen and no injuries were recorded during the incident, describing the outcome as a testament to the vigilance and professionalism of its security personnel.
TCN noted that protecting transmission assets remains critical to maintaining a stable national electricity grid, stressing that attacks on power infrastructure not only result in huge financial losses but also threaten electricity supply to homes, businesses and industries.
The company commended its security operatives for their prompt intervention, saying their actions prevented the destruction of strategic national infrastructure and averted potential disruptions to power transmission.
It also appealed to residents and host communities across the country to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around transmission towers, substations and other power installations to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to working with security agencies and local communities to strengthen the protection of critical electricity infrastructure, warning that vandalism of power assets undermines national efforts to improve electricity supply and expand access to reliable power across Nigeria.
