Widespread Damage to Critical Infrastructure
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported the destruction and theft of no fewer than 18 electricity transmission towers across Rivers, Abia, and Kano States within five days, from January 9 to January 14, 2025. The vandalism has severely impacted power supply operations and grid expansion plans, creating disruptions in several franchise areas.

Details of the Incidents
In a statement signed by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs, TCN, the company expressed regret over the incidents, which were uncovered during routine patrols and maintenance checks.

• Rivers State: Between January 10 and 14, towers 171 to 181 and tower 184 along the Port Harcourt Region’s transmission line were vandalized, with base brackets removed, threatening their stability. Additionally, on January 14, towers 146, 147, and 149 on the Owerri/Ahoada 132kV line were targeted, compromising their structural integrity.
• Abia State: On January 13, bolts, nuts, and structural members were stolen from towers 160 to 162 on the Alaoji/Umuahia 132kV line, which was undergoing repair.
• Kano State: Vandals damaged towers 105, 106, and 107 along the Katsina-Gazoua 132/33kV transmission line on January 9, critically weakening their structural integrity and increasing the risk of collapse.

Additional Vandalism in Abuja
In a separate incident on January 17, vandalized 132kV underground transmission cables were discovered by TCN engineers near Millennium Park in Abuja. This caused power outages in the central area, affecting key locations such as the Presidential Villa and the Office of the Minister of Power.

Operational and Economic Implications
The destruction of critical infrastructure has disrupted power supply in affected areas, presenting a significant challenge to TCN’s operations. The vandalism undermines the government’s grid expansion plans and hinders efforts to provide uninterrupted power supply to Nigerians.

TCN’s Response
TCN has intensified patrols and maintenance to identify and address vulnerabilities in its transmission network. Speaking on the incidents, Emmanuel Okpa, General Manager of Transmission for the Port Harcourt Region, emphasized the urgency of safeguarding critical infrastructure to ensure reliability.

Call for Action
TCN has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities near transmission infrastructure. The company is calling for stronger collaboration between security agencies, local communities, and stakeholders to curb the menace of vandalism.

A Growing Threat
The destruction of electricity infrastructure has become a recurring issue in Nigeria. In 2024, the federal government disclosed spending N8.8 billion to repair 128 vandalized electricity towers nationwide.

Conclusion
The recent wave of vandalism highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures and stricter penalties for those who sabotage critical infrastructure. As TCN works to repair the damage and restore power, it is crucial for stakeholders to collaborate in protecting the nation’s power assets to prevent further disruptions and economic losses.