The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported that over 18 transmission towers were vandalized between January 9 and January 14, 2025, across Rivers, Abia, and Kano States,Daily Trust reports.
Engr. Emmanuel Okpa, TCN’s General Manager of Transmission for the Port Harcourt Region, revealed that routine patrols by linesmen on January 10 uncovered damage to towers 171 through 181 and tower 184. On January 14, vandals targeted towers 146, 147, and 149 along the Owerri/Ahoada 132kV line in Rivers State, removing base brackets and destabilizing the towers.
In Abia, Engr. Azuh Lucky, Head of the Lines Department for the region, reported theft of bolts, nuts, and structural members from towers 160 to 162 on the Alaoji/Umuahia 132kV line, which was under repair as of January 13. Similarly, in Kano, towers 105, 106, and 107 along the Katsina-Gazoua 132/33kV transmission line were severely damaged by vandals on January 9, compromising their stability and risking collapse.
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In the early hours of January 17, 2025, TCN engineers discovered vandalized 132kV underground transmission cables near Millennium Park in Abuja. This incident disrupted power supply to the central area and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, described these incidents as significant operational challenges in a statement issued on Sunday.
“We have intensified security measures, increased patrols, and engaged more vigilante groups while collaborating with security operatives. However, we appeal to all Nigerians, particularly those in communities hosting our installations, to support us. The transmission network is a shared asset essential to our socioeconomic development,” she said.
Mbah emphasized that vandals and buyers of stolen materials are sabotaging the nation and urged collective efforts to safeguard the power sector, which is crucial to national development.
“TCN’s grid expansion efforts face immense pressure due to persistent vandalism. The financial burden of repeated repairs and the strain on the grid are hampering progress in expanding and stabilizing the nation’s power infrastructure,” she added.
