YEDC Clamps Down on Vandalism, Rolls Out Free Prepaid Meters
Amid growing concern over persistent vandalism of electricity infrastructure, the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has announced tougher surveillance measures in collaboration with security agencies across its service areas.
The company’s Managing Director and CEO, Abduraman Isa, made this known during a stakeholders’ townhall meeting held Monday in Yola, Adamawa State. The event, which focused on awareness and accountability, brought together traditional leaders, security agencies, civil society groups, and members of the business community.
Isa revealed that more than 100 suspects linked to power asset vandalism were arrested and prosecuted in 2024 alone, noting that YEDC would intensify its partnerships with law enforcement to deter further sabotage.
“We cannot tackle vandalism alone. Communities must protect public infrastructure, and citizens should report suspicious activity promptly,” he said.
In a positive development for electricity users, Isa also disclosed that YEDC has finalized plans to begin free distribution of prepaid meters to all mapped customers under its metering initiative, part of the company’s broader 2025 customer outreach strategy aimed at enhancing service delivery and transparency.
The event, themed “YEDC and NERC Combined Stakeholders Awareness Townhall Engagement”, served as a platform for dialogue between the company and its customer base. Isa said similar engagements in the past had improved trust and led to tangible operational improvements.
Also speaking at the forum, the Chief Commercial Officer of YEDC, Babatunde Ayoola, condemned the recent destruction of four transmission towers between Gombe and Damaturu, an act he described as a deliberate sabotage that caused power outages across affected states.
Ayoola encouraged customers to remain vigilant and lodge complaints through verified YEDC communication channels to ensure timely resolution.
The forum also featured voices from local leadership. The District Head of Yola, Zubairu Mustapha, who represented the Lamido of Adamawa, appealed to residents to stop bypassing meters or tampering with electrical infrastructure, warning that such actions disrupt steady electricity supply.
On his part, a representative of the Kwandi Nuguraya, Jafet Gajere, urged YEDC to intensify efforts to improve power supply to rural communities often overlooked in service delivery plans.
Chairman of the occasion, Sa’idu Bikkoi, applauded the YEDC leadership for convening the forum and advised the company to continually invest in staff training, especially in customer service and complaint resolution.
The event concluded with cultural displays, a drama presentation on energy responsibility, and a robust interactive session between the public and YEDC officials.
