TCN raises alarm as 18 transmission towers vandalised in six days

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has disclosed that over 18 transmission towers were vandalised across Rivers, Abia, and Kano States within a six-day period.
In a statement released by the TCN’s General Manager for Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the company revealed that the damages occurred between January 9 and 14, 2025.
According to the report, routine patrols by linesmen on January 10 uncovered significant damage to towers 171 through 181 and tower 184 in the Port Harcourt region. Similarly, on January 14, towers 146, 147, and 149 along the Owerri/Ahoada 132kV line in Rivers State were vandalised, with base brackets removed, jeopardizing their stability.
In Abia State, structural components, bolts, and nuts were stolen from towers 160 to 162 on the Alaoji/Umuahia 132kV line, which was under repair on January 13.
In Kano, towers 105, 106, and 107 along the Katsina-Gazoua 132/33kV line were critically damaged on January 9, putting the structures at risk of collapse.
Mbah further disclosed that on January 17, TCN engineers discovered vandalised underground 132kV transmission cables near Millennium Park in Abuja. This incident disrupted power supply to the central area of the city and its environs.
“These incidents are a significant challenge to our operations as a company,” Mbah said. “We have intensified security measures, increased line patrols, and engaged vigilante groups while collaborating with security agencies.”
The TCN called on Nigerians, especially communities hosting transmission installations, to safeguard these facilities, which are critical to national socioeconomic development. Mbah warned that vandals and those buying stolen materials are sabotaging the nation’s progress.
The company also highlighted the financial strain and delays in grid expansion projects caused by frequent vandalism. It urged citizens to join hands with TCN to protect the nation’s electricity infrastructure.
“This is a clarion call for everyone to end this menace and safeguard our electricity network,” the statement concluded.