By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has urged the Nigeria Police Force to intensify its crackdown on energy thieves and vandals during a courtesy visit to Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting focused on strengthening security around critical power infrastructure to curb energy theft, reduce vandalism, improve electricity supply, and protect the national grid through enhanced police collaboration.
Energy Theft Continues to Hurt Nigeria’s Power Sector
Nigeria’s power sector loses billions of naira every year to energy theft and the destruction of power infrastructure. Criminals frequently vandalise transmission lines, transformers, and other critical facilities.
As a result, the country experiences recurring national grid collapses and persistent electricity supply challenges. These incidents also increase repair costs and disrupt economic activities nationwide.
Tegbe Seeks Stronger Police Collaboration
During the meeting, Tegbe stressed the need for coordinated action to protect national power assets.
He requested sustained support from the Nigeria Police Force to secure critical electricity infrastructure across the country. He also urged the police to strengthen surveillance, respond swiftly to attacks, and prosecute offenders.
According to a police statement released on Wednesday, discussions centred on addressing the growing threats of infrastructure vandalism and widespread energy theft.
The statement said:
“Discussions focused on tackling critical security challenges impacting the power sector, specifically the rampant vandalisation of national power infrastructure and widespread energy theft. Tegbe solicited the continued support and tactical collaboration of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguard power assets nationwide, intensify surveillance on critical installations, and clamp down on energy criminals.”
Police Pledge Full Support to Protect National Grid
Responding to the minister’s appeal, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu assured the Ministry of Power of the Force’s commitment to securing critical electricity infrastructure.
He pledged that the police would strengthen efforts to protect the national grid and ensure those responsible for power sector crimes face justice.
The statement added:
“Disu reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding critical national infrastructure, bolstering energy security, and decisively prosecuting perpetrators of power sector crimes.”
Senior Ministry Officials Attend Meeting
Several senior officials from the Ministry of Power accompanied Tegbe during the visit.
They included Permanent Secretary Mahmud Mamman, Director of Distribution Engr. Mustapha Baba-Umara, Director of Energy Resources Engr. Kingsley Eneh, and the Minister’s Special Assistant, Martins Olajide.
