TCN, NSCDC Unite with Telecoms Firms To Tackle Vandalism Of Critical Infrastructure In Edo
Protecting critical infrastructure has become increasingly urgent as vandalism and accidental damage continue to threaten electricity supply and telecommunications services across Nigeria.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has strengthened its partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), telecommunications operators and other stakeholders in Edo State to improve the protection of power transmission and fibre optic infrastructure.
The renewed commitment emerged during a stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Edo State Command of the NSCDC in Benin on Tuesday, where participants discussed growing cases of vandalism, illegal excavation and accidental damage affecting critical national assets.
Speaking at the meeting, TCN’s Principal Manager, Telecommunications, Engr. Onya W. Chukwuma, described Benin as a strategic electricity transmission hub linking several parts of the country.
He noted that TCN’s transmission towers also support fibre optic telecommunications infrastructure, warning that attacks on the facilities could disrupt electricity and communication services while endangering lives and property.
Chukwuma praised the NSCDC for its continued efforts in protecting TCN installations and called for closer collaboration among security agencies, telecom operators and construction firms.
The Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure, revealing that 25 suspects had been arrested over offences linked to fibre optic cable damage caused mainly by excavation activities.
Stakeholders resolved to establish a WhatsApp platform to facilitate rapid information sharing and coordinated responses to threats against critical infrastructure.
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