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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has disclosed that it recorded no fewer than 276 cases of transmission tower vandalism across the country between 2022 and 2025.

A statement issued by the company’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, quoted the General Manager of Transmission, Lagos Region, Engr. Adeshina Adeonipekun, speaking during a sensitisation programme organised by TCN in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.

According to him, the cases of vandalism have, however, reduced significantly in 2026 following stronger collaboration with host communities and improved surveillance by TCN officials.

“This year, with the support of communities and the proactiveness of our staff, we have been able to reduce vandalism cases to about 40,” Adeonipekun said.

Adeonipekun explained that TCN has continued to intensify measures aimed at protecting power infrastructure, noting that community engagement remains one of the company’s major strategies in tackling vandalism.

He added that vandalism incidents within the South-West have remained relatively low, while commending the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and security agencies for their support in efforts to apprehend offenders.

Also speaking, the Principal Manager, Lines, Engr. Kuye Emmanuel, said TCN had strengthened surveillance around transmission facilities through community-based security arrangements.

According to him, private vigilantes are engaged and paid monthly across communities and zones to safeguard transmission lines and report suspicious activities.

He added that the company also provides incentives to farmers and residents in host communities to encourage cooperation and timely information sharing.

The Olu of Itori Land, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, commended TCN for sustaining the sensitisation exercise, describing it as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The monarch appealed to the company to organise the programme regularly, noting that the last sensitisation campaign in the community was held about four years ago.

He disclosed that Baales across the 127 communities under his domain had remained vigilant in protecting transmission infrastructure from vandals.

On her part, the District Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Itori Command, Mrs Olusola Balogun, warned residents against engaging in vandalism, stressing that the offence attracts imprisonment upon conviction.
She noted that vandalism of power installations could trigger power outages, disrupt economic activities and worsen security challenges across the country.

Also, the Divisional Police Officer of Itori Police Station, CSP Dapo Ojekunle, urged residents to support security agencies with credible information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of vandals.
According to him, community participation remains critical in protecting public infrastructure and combating crime.

TCN Records 276 Cases Of Tower Vandalism In Four Years is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Veteran Nollywood actress, Bukky Wright, has revealed that her children were taken away from her at a young age because she married into a wealthy family. The actress made the revelation while speaking at a public event in a video that has now gone viral on social media. Bukky Wright said her journey into acting […]

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Ahead of All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has warned desperate politicians not to use money meant for their children’s school fees to buy forms if they cannot bear the risk. He urged aspirants from Imo State seeking tickets for the Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly under […]

The post Don’t stake your children’s school fees for form — Uzodinma tells aspirants appeared first on Tribune Online.

Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has raised concerns over the recurring flood disasters affecting the state, describing the situation as a growing ecological threat requiring urgent and coordinated intervention from all levels of government. Speaking while receiving the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar and her delegation, including […]

The post Gov Otu raises alarm over flooding, seeks FG’s intervention appeared first on Tribune Online.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Nigerian Air Force to urgently explain the continuous reported airstrikes that have allegedly led to civilian deaths in different parts of the country, warning that the pattern of the incidents raises serious human rights and accountability concerns.

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, said the commission is increasingly worried about what it described as repeated loss of civilian lives during military aerial operations conducted in the course of counter-insurgency and anti-banditry campaigns.

He noted that while the Federal Government has a duty to combat insecurity across the country, such operations must be carried out within the limits of the law and in line with international humanitarian standards that protect civilians.

According to him, reports of deaths and injuries involving women, children and other vulnerable persons during airstrikes point to potential breaches of the right to life and human dignity, which he said cannot be ignored.

Ojukwu questioned why similar incidents continue to occur despite earlier public concern and assurances that operational procedures would be reviewed to avoid civilian harm.

He cited several reported cases recorded between April and May, including incidents at Jilli Market in Yobe State, Shiroro Market in Niger State, and Tumfa Market in Zamfara State, describing them as part of a troubling trend that demands urgent attention.

He asked, “Why does this keep happening, and for how long will Nigerians continue to witness such tragedies?”

The NHRC stressed that key principles of warfare including distinction between combatants and civilians, proportionality in the use of force, and necessity must guide every military action, especially in communities where civilians are exposed to danger.

It warned that civilian population must never be treated as unintended losses in security operations.

The commission further urged the Nigerian Air Force to provide a detailed explanation of the incidents and clarify what measures are in place to prevent a repeat of such tragedies.

It also called for independent and transparent investigations into all reported cases of civilian casualties, insisting that affected families deserve justice, compensation, and adequate support.

NHRC questions Air Force over rising civilian deaths in airstrikes

A fresh outbreak of the Ebola virus has been confirmed in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, with at least 65 deaths recorded so far, according to African health authorities.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention disclosed this on Friday, noting that 246 suspected cases had been identified, including four fatalities among laboratory-confirmed patients.

Health officials said the outbreak was detected in Ituri Province, located in the eastern part of the country.

Africa CDC noted that it is closely tracking developments and has already convened an emergency high-level coordination meeting involving authorities from the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan and international health partners to strengthen cross-border surveillance, preparedness and response measures.

Ebola virus disease, first discovered in 1976, is a severe and highly infectious haemorrhagic illness transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.

The disease can lead to severe bleeding, organ failure and death if not contained quickly.

Over the past five decades, Ebola outbreaks across Africa have reportedly claimed about 15,000 lives.

The deadliest outbreak in the DRC occurred between 2018 and 2020, resulting in nearly 2,300 deaths.

Health authorities have urged residents and neighbouring countries to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected infections to help contain the spread of the virus.

65 dead as fresh Ebola outbreak hits eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Constituents across the Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State have unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu while endorsing his bid for a third term in the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections. At the declaration event held in Bende on Thursday, […]

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a free medical outreach in Daura, Katsina State, targeting about 2,000 residents with healthcare services and medications.

The outreach, organised as part of the service’s 7th Retreat Medical Outreach programme, offers free medical consultations, dental treatment, eye and ear care, as well as minor surgical procedures for beneficiaries.

Speaking during the exercise, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Ahmad Tijjani-Abe, said the initiative was aimed at improving access to healthcare for communities within the area.

According to him, medical personnel deployed for the outreach would also distribute free drugs to patients and provide additional support for schoolchildren through deworming exercises and the distribution of mosquito nets and health kits.

He said the intervention was part of efforts by the service to support vulnerable residents and promote public health in communities hosting Customs operations.

The Medical Team Leader, Dr Ethelbert Ikechukwu, explained that the programme was an initiative of the Comptroller-General of Customs and had been implemented in several parts of the country over the years.

He noted that the outreach was designed to complement existing healthcare services by providing free treatment and medication to people who may not easily afford medical care.

Ikechukwu added that patients requiring advanced treatment beyond what the outreach could provide would be referred to appropriate health facilities for further medical attention.

He encouraged residents to take advantage of the exercise, assuring them that the outreach was being handled by experienced and qualified healthcare professionals.

Some beneficiaries commended the Nigeria Customs Service for the intervention, describing it as timely and beneficial.

One of the beneficiaries, Musa Ibrahim, said the programme had brought relief to many residents struggling with medical expenses.

“I received free medical consultation and drugs, and I am very grateful for this support,” he said.

Another resident, Amina Usman, praised the professionalism of the medical team, noting that the outreach would positively impact women, children and other vulnerable groups in the community.

Customs Launches Free Medical Outreach for 2,000 Residents In Katsina is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian students preparing for the September 2026 academic session, the dream of studying in Canada is now colliding with a tougher financial reality.

The post The cost of processing a Canadian study Visa in Q2 2026 appeared first on Tribune Online.