The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reports vandalism of 18 transmission towers in six days across Rivers, Abia, and Kano states, disrupting power supply and grid expansion. TCN urges public cooperation to protect critical infrastructure, highlighting the financial strain and operational challenges caused by these repeated acts of sabotage.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has revealed that 18 transmission towers were vandalized across three states—Rivers, Abia, and Kano—within six days. The incidents, which occurred between January 9 and 14, have significantly disrupted operations and put immense pressure on the nation’s power infrastructure.
In Rivers State, multiple towers, including those along the Owerri/Ahoada 132kV line, were targeted, resulting in structural damage and instability. Similarly, in Abia, vandals stole vital components like bolts and structural parts from towers under repair on the Alaoji/Umuahia 132kV line. Meanwhile, in Kano, key towers along the Katsina-Gazoua 132/33kV transmission line sustained critical damage, threatening their collapse.
In Abuja, TCN engineers discovered vandalized underground transmission cables near Millennium Park on January 17, which disrupted electricity supply to the central areas of the city.
TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, expressed concern over the financial and operational strain caused by these acts of sabotage. The company has increased security patrols and enlisted vigilante groups to curb further incidents. Mbah emphasized that the transmission network is a shared national asset essential to Nigeria’s socio-economic development, urging communities to help protect it.
The repeated vandalism has stalled grid expansion efforts and raised the cost of repairs, hindering power sector growth. TCN calls for collective action to prevent such sabotage and ensure a stable electricity network for Nigeria’s progress.
