The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has joined the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other critical infrastructure stakeholders in Edo State to strengthen collaboration towards protecting power transmission and fibre optic infrastructure from vandalism and other forms of damage.
The stakeholders’ engagement meeting, convened by the Edo State Command of the NSCDC on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, brought together representatives of power, telecommunications and construction sectors to address incidents of vandalism, accidental damage and illegal excavation affecting critical infrastructure across the state.
Speaking, Principal Manager, Telecommunications, TCN, Engr. Onya W. Chukwuma, highlighted the strategic importance of TCN’s transmission infrastructure in Benin, noting that the area serves as a major electricity transmission hub connecting several parts of the country.
He explained that TCN’s transmission towers support infrastructure for both electricity transmission and fibre optic telecommunications, noting that vandalism of transmission towers could disrupt electricity transmission and telecommunications services, while also posing risks to lives and property.
Engr. Chukwuma commended the NSCDC for its continued support in safeguarding TCN’s infrastructure and called for sustained collaboration among security agencies, telecommunications operators, construction companies and other stakeholders to enhance the protection of critical national assets.
Earlier, the Edo State NSCDC Commandant, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure. He expressed concern over fibre optic cable cuts resulting from excavation activities and disclosed that 25 suspects had been arrested in connection with related offences.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders agreed to establish a WhatsApp platform to enhance information sharing and prompt response to incidents affecting critical infrastructure.
Participants included representatives of TCN, MTN, Airtel, Globacom (Glo), T2 Mobile, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), construction companies, the Fiber Optic Cable Maintenance Engineers Association, as well as representatives of relevant federal and Edo State Government agencies.
