TCN reports collapse of five power towers in Akwa Ibom as vandals invade transmission lines

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says vandals have damaged the Eket-Ikot Abasi-Eket 132 kilovolt (kV) double-circuit transmission line, resulting in the collapse of five transmission towers.

In a statement on Friday, the TCN said the extensive damage was discovered during a routine joint patrol by its linesmen on August 9, 2026.

“Preliminary assessment indicates that critical structural bracing members were removed from Towers N9, N10, N11, N12, N13, and N15, resulting in the collapse of five towers,” TCN said.

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

“These towers are now structurally compromised and pose a risk of further collapse.”

The TCN said it had reconfigured the network to prioritise electricity supply from Ibom Power, reducing the impact of the incident on power supply.

“TCN Management is mobilising an urgent intervention to complete the reconstruction of the affected sections of the line,” the company said.

The transmission company added that security agencies had been notified to assist in investigations and prevent further vandalism along the transmission line route.

The company also condemned the incident as an act of sabotage, adding that it remained committed to maintaining a reliable national electricity grid.
(TheCable)