Power Crisis Deepens: 18 Transmission Towers Vandalized In One Week, Says TCN

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the vandalism of more than 18 transmission towers across Rivers, Abia, and Kano States within just six days, from January 9 to 14, 2025.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, confirmed the incidents in a statement on Sunday, describing the vandalism as a major blow to Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

“In Rivers State, towers 171 through 181 and tower 184 along the 132kV Owerri/Ahoada line were vandalized,” revealed Emmanuel Okpa, TCN’s General Manager for the Port Harcourt Region. During a routine patrol on January 10, officials discovered that base brackets had been removed, compromising the towers’ structural integrity.

Similarly, in Abia State, Azuh Lucky, Head of the Lines Department, confirmed the theft of bolts, nuts, and structural components from towers 160 to 162 along the Alaoji/Umuahia 132kV line, discovered during repairs on January 13.

In Kano, towers 105, 106, and 107 along the Katsina-Gazoua 132/33kV line were severely damaged on January 9, further threatening the stability of the transmission network.

To compound matters, on January 17, TCN engineers in Abuja uncovered vandalized underground transmission cables near Millennium Park. This disruption caused power outages in the central area and its surroundings.

TCN has called on Nigerians, particularly those in communities hosting critical infrastructure, to join efforts to safeguard these assets.

“These incidents are a serious challenge to our operations,” Mbah stated. “We have increased security measures, enhanced patrols, and are collaborating with security operatives, but we need the full support of all Nigerians. Our transmission network is a national asset vital to our socioeconomic development.”

The TCN emphasized the financial strain caused by repeated repairs and the adverse impact on its grid expansion projects, which are critical to the nation’s development.

“The vandals and those purchasing stolen materials are sabotaging the country. This is a clarion call for everyone to join forces with TCN to end this menace and protect our power infrastructure,” the statement concluded.