TCN says it has arrested more than 30 suspected power vandals in Kano-Kaduna
- The Transmission Company of Nigeria says over 30 suspected vandals have been arrested along the Kumbotso–Zaria line.
- A regional manager said about 10 towers were damaged in four to five months this year, with five cases in court.
- The company urged residents to stop digging and building near towers and to report suspicious activity.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it has arrested more than 30 people suspected of damaging electricity infrastructure, mainly along the corridor that carries power between Kumbotso in Kano and Zaria in Kaduna State.
The company's Kano regional general manager, M.K. Bello, also known as Muhammad Kamal-Bello, gave the figure on Wednesday at a public awareness event in Paki community, Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The campaign was aimed at stopping people from building on or digging near transmission lines, and at discouraging vandalism.
Bello said the arrests followed cooperation from residents, traditional rulers, the police and other security agencies. He thanked the district head and the security outposts in the area for their support.
He said about 10 transmission towers were damaged within four to five months this year, and that roughly five related cases are now before the courts.
Why it matters for power supply
According to Bello, the towers carry electricity across distances of 200 to 300 kilometres. If one tower fails, the lines it holds up can come down, cutting supply and costing a lot to replace.
He said digging pits and putting up buildings close to the towers are a major worry because they can weaken the structures. He asked residents to stay away from activities that put the towers at risk and to report anyone they suspect of tampering with them.
The event drew government officials, traditional and religious leaders, artisans, civil society groups, youths and the media, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Talks covered the dangers of vandalism and illegal construction near power lines, including electrocution, fire and the collapse of towers.
The District Head of Paki, Ja'afaru Paki, also known as Alhaji Ja'afaru Aliyu-Paki, said traditional institutions in the area already keep watch over electricity facilities and other government property. He said TCN's recognition of their work would push them to do more.
He described electricity as central to development, security and other services, and said protecting it is a job for everyone. He also pointed to the district's Peace Promotion Committee and Friday prayer imams, who use sermons and outreach to spread awareness.
