Five Transmission Towers Collapse After Vandalism of 132kV Power Line
Five electricity transmission towers along the Ikot Abasi-Eket 132kV Double Circuit Transmission Line have collapsed following extensive vandalism of critical components, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has disclosed.
The incident has raised concerns about the stability of the transmission corridor and the potential impact on electricity supply in the affected area.
TCN disclosed the development in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.
Vandals removed critical tower components
According to the transmission company, the damage was discovered on August 9, 2026, during a routine joint patrol conducted by its linesmen along the transmission route.
A preliminary assessment found that important structural bracing members had been removed from several transmission towers.
TCN identified Towers N9, N10, N11, N12, N13 and N15 as having suffered significant structural damage, with the removal of key components resulting in the collapse of five of the towers.
Further inspection reportedly showed that structural members had also been removed from seven additional towers along the same transmission corridor.
The company warned that the affected structures had been seriously weakened and could pose a further risk to the transmission network if urgent action is not taken.
TCN moves to protect electricity supply
Despite the damage, TCN said measures had been taken to reduce the impact on electricity supply to consumers within the affected network.
The company explained that the transmission network had been reconfigured to prioritise electricity supplied from Ibom Power.
Also Read: Tinubu: Nigeria’s Refineries Will Soon Bounce Back
This intervention is aimed at maintaining the availability and reliability of power supply while repair work is being organised.
TCN said its management was already mobilising an emergency response to reconstruct the damaged sections of the transmission line.
The planned intervention is expected to restore the structural integrity of the affected infrastructure and reduce the risk of further disruption.
Security agencies alerted
TCN said security agencies had been informed about the incident to assist with investigations into the vandalism.
The security authorities are also expected to help prevent additional attacks on transmission infrastructure along the route.
The company described the destruction as an act of sabotage and warned about the wider consequences of attacks on critical electricity infrastructure.
Transmission towers and associated infrastructure form a vital part of Nigeria’s electricity distribution network, meaning damage to major transmission corridors can affect the movement of power from generating stations to distribution networks.
TCN appeals to communities
The transmission company called on communities and other stakeholders located around electricity transmission corridors to assist in protecting critical infrastructure.
TCN urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support efforts aimed at preventing the theft and destruction of electricity infrastructure.
The latest incident adds to concerns over the impact of infrastructure vandalism on Nigeria’s efforts to improve electricity supply.
TCN said it remained committed to maintaining a stronger and more reliable national electricity grid despite the security and infrastructure challenges confronting the sector.
