Power Minister Seeks Police Action Against Energy Theft, Vandalism

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has urged the Nigeria Police Force to intensify its crackdown on energy theft and vandalism of critical power installations, warning that such crimes remain a major obstacle to stable electricity supply.

Tegbe made the appeal during a courtesy visit to Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, at Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Both leaders agreed on stronger tactical collaboration to protect the national grid and secure vital infrastructure.

According to a police statement, Tegbe was accompanied by senior ministry officials, including Permanent Secretary Mahmud Mamman and directors from distribution and energy resources.

Discussions focused on the rampant destruction of power lines and transformers, as well as widespread electricity theft that costs Nigeria billions of naira annually.

“The minister solicited the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguard power assets nationwide, intensify surveillance on critical installations, and clamp down on energy criminals,” the statement read.

In response, Inspector-General Disu assured the ministry of the Force’s readiness to secure national grid infrastructure and prosecute offenders.

He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and strengthening energy security.Nigeria’s power sector has long struggled with frequent grid collapses and poor supply, often linked to vandalism and theft of equipment.

The renewed partnership between the ministry and police aims to curb these challenges and improve electricity reliability across the country.

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