Vandalism Causes Collapse of Five Transmission Towers on Ikot Abasi–Eket Line

By Iyojo Ameh

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has raised the alarm over severe vandalism along the Ikot Abasi–Eket 132kV Double Circuit Transmission Line following the collapse of five transmission towers on the corridor.

TCN said the towers collapsed after critical structural components were removed by vandals, leaving the transmission infrastructure severely weakened.

The extensive damage was discovered on August 9, 2026, during a routine joint patrol of the transmission line by TCN linesmen.

According to the preliminary assessment, critical structural bracing members were removed from Towers N9, N10, N11, N12, N13 and N15, leading to the collapse of five towers.

Further inspection revealed that structural members had also been removed and stolen from seven other towers along the same transmission corridor.

TCN warned that the affected towers are now structurally compromised and could collapse if urgent intervention is not undertaken.

The company said it had immediately taken steps to minimise the impact of the damage on electricity supply by reconfiguring the network to prioritise power supply from Ibom Power.

TCN Management is also mobilising an emergency intervention to facilitate the reconstruction of the damaged sections of the transmission line.

Security agencies have been notified of the incident to support investigations, apprehend those responsible and prevent further vandalism along the transmission corridor.

The company condemned the incident as an act of sabotage, stressing that attacks on critical transmission infrastructure threaten the stability and reliability of electricity supply to affected communities.

TCN reiterated its commitment to maintaining a robust and reliable national grid and urged relevant stakeholders and communities along transmission corridors to support efforts to protect critical electricity infrastructure.