By Emeka Chiaghanam
FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited has
raised concerns over the growing vandalism of electricity installations across
Anambra State, saying the attacks are disrupting power supply, increasing
restoration costs and placing additional pressure on efforts to improve
services to customers.
The company said no fewer than 73 major cases of
vandalism had been recorded across its network in the state since January
2026.
According to FirstPower, the incidents have affected
communities and businesses in different parts of Anambra, with customers
sometimes left without electricity for extended periods while damaged
facilities are repaired or replaced.
The cost goes beyond damaged
transformers
FirstPower said vandalism creates a chain of problems that
affects both the electricity company and the communities it serves.
When a transformer, cable or other critical installation is
damaged, the company has to source replacement materials, carry out repairs and
restore the facility before supply can resume.
Until that work is completed, homes, businesses, healthcare
facilities, artisans and other users connected to the affected network remain
without electricity.
The company also loses revenue during the period of an
outage while incurring additional costs to restore the damaged installation.
FirstPower said the situation becomes even more difficult
when several locations are attacked around the same period, as technical teams
and other resources have to be deployed to different communities.
The company said some vandals dismantle electrical
components and sell them as scrap, often for relatively little money compared
with the much larger cost of repairing the damage.
A dangerous crime
Beyond the financial losses and disruption to electricity
supply, FirstPower warned that tampering with electrical installations can be
fatal.
The company said some suspected vandals had been arrested
and prosecuted, while others had suffered serious burns or died while
attempting to tamper with installations.
It explained that electricity could be restored unexpectedly
while a vandalism operation was taking place, exposing those involved to
electrocution.
FirstPower also explained that some supply interruptions
that appear unpredictable may be deliberate security measures.
Where an installation is considered vulnerable to vandalism,
the company said it may vary supply patterns to make it harder for criminals to
predict when a particular transformer or section of the network will be
energised.
What the law says
FirstPower reminded residents that vandalism and theft of
electricity infrastructure are criminal offences under the Electricity Act,
2023.
The company cited Sections 209 and 210, which deal with the
theft of electric lines and materials and the knowing receipt of stolen
electrical materials. It said the offences attract fines and terms of imprisonment.
Sections 211, 212 and 213, according to FirstPower, also
criminalise interference with electricity works, negligent damage to
electricity materials and the intentional disruption of electricity supply.
The warning comes against the backdrop of a recent decision
by the Anambra State Executive Council to amend the state's electricity
law.
FirstPower said the council, at its 11th meeting during
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo's second term, resolved to introduce tougher
penalties for vandalism of electricity installations, energy theft and related
offences.
Communities urged to protect their
power facilities
FirstPower said the protection of electricity infrastructure
could not be left to the company and security agencies alone.
It acknowledged the efforts of individuals, communities,
governments, security agencies and other stakeholders working to protect
electricity facilities.
The company also commended the Nigerian Electricity
Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory
Commission (ASERC) for their efforts in addressing electricity-related
crimes and promoting the reporting of tampering.
FirstPower said it had strengthened security around its
network through closer cooperation with security agencies, increased monitoring
of vulnerable installations and regular engagement with host communities.
It is also encouraging communities to help protect
transformers and other facilities serving them, including through the use of
solar-powered CCTV cameras and security lights around vulnerable installations.
Customers supporting restoration
efforts
In some communities, affected customers have voluntarily
supported restoration work by helping to procure materials required to repair
vandalised facilities.
FirstPower welcomed such assistance but stressed that any
intervention must be properly coordinated with the company.
It said only qualified technical personnel should undertake
the installation and restoration of electricity facilities to ensure that the
work is carried out safely and correctly.
Company addresses allegations of
internal involvement
FirstPower also addressed allegations that some of its
employees may be involved in electricity vandalism and related activities.
The company said it would not tolerate any deliberate
attempt, whether from within or outside the organisation, to undermine its
network or services to customers.
It said anyone arrested for vandalism or related offences
would be subject to the law, regardless of their position or status.
FirstPower added that it would continue working with
security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for
attacks on its infrastructure.
'If you see something, say something'
The company appealed to traditional rulers, town unions,
community leaders, youth organisations, landlords, residents and other members
of the public to take an active interest in protecting electricity facilities
in their communities.
It urged residents to report suspicious movements around
transformers, substations, poles, cables and other installations rather than
ignore them.
Members of the public can report suspected vandalism through
FirstPower's whistleblowing line, 08161652465, or through its social
media platforms. The company said it would protect the confidentiality of those
who provide information.
FirstPower's Head of Communications, Izunna Okafor,
said the company would continue working to secure its network and improve
electricity services but stressed that protecting the infrastructure required
cooperation from the communities it serves.
The company said the theft of a cable or other electrical
component might provide a vandal with a small amount of money, but the
consequences could extend to an entire community through prolonged outages,
lost business income, costly repairs and serious risks to human life.
FirstPower therefore urged residents across Anambra to
remain vigilant and report suspicious activity around electricity
installations.
“If you see something, say something,”
the company said.
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