The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has joined forces with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), telecommunications operators and other critical infrastructure stakeholders in Edo State to strengthen collaboration aimed at protecting power transmission facilities and fibre optic infrastructure from vandalism and accidental damage.
The stakeholders’ engagement meeting, organised by the Edo State Command of the NSCDC on Tuesday, brought together representatives from the power, telecommunications, construction and government sectors to address the growing incidents of vandalism, illegal excavation and fibre optic cable cuts affecting critical infrastructure across the state.
Speaking at the meeting, TCN’s Principal Manager, Telecommunications, Engr. Onya W. Chukwuma, described Benin as a strategic electricity transmission hub that links several parts of the country, stressing the importance of safeguarding the nation’s transmission infrastructure.
He explained that TCN’s transmission towers support both electricity transmission and fibre optic telecommunications infrastructure, warning that vandalism of the facilities could disrupt power supply and communication services while posing serious risks to lives and property.
Chukwuma commended the NSCDC for its continued support in protecting TCN’s installations and called for sustained collaboration among security agencies, telecommunications operators, construction companies and other stakeholders to ensure the safety of critical national assets.
Earlier, the Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure. He expressed concern over the increasing cases of fibre optic cable cuts caused by excavation activities and disclosed that 25 suspects had been arrested in connection with related offences.
To improve coordination and rapid response, stakeholders resolved to establish a WhatsApp platform for timely information sharing and reporting of incidents affecting critical infrastructure.
Participants at the meeting included representatives of TCN, MTN, Airtel, Globacom (Glo), T2 Mobile, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), construction companies, the Fiber Optic Cable Maintenance Engineers Association, as well as officials from relevant federal and Edo State government agencies.
