Five Towers On Ikot Abasi–eket 132kv Line Collapsed After Severe Vandalism

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed the collapse of five transmission towers on the Ikot Abasi–Eket 132kV double‑circuit line after vandals removed key structural components, forcing a reconfiguration of the local network and threatening further outages.

The damage was discovered during a routine joint line patrol by TCN linesmen on August 9, 2026, the company said in a press release dated August 14. A preliminary assessment found that critical bracing members had been removed from Towers N9, J4, N10, N11 and N12, causing those towers to fall. Inspectors also identified theft of structural members from seven additional towers — J3, N8, N13, N14, N15, N18 and N19 — leaving them structurally compromised and at risk of collapse.

To limit disruption, TCN said it has reconfigured the transmission network to prioritise supply to the Ekim transmission station. The move left Ibom Power as the only generating station on the corridor without an immediate supply connection, the statement added.

Management at TCN said it is mobilising an urgent reconstruction effort for the affected sections of the line, and has alerted security agencies to support investigations and prevent further vandalism along the route. The company described the attacks as acts of sabotage and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a reliable national grid.

Vandalism of transmission infrastructure is a recurring challenge in parts of Nigeria, where thieves strip metal from towers and cables for resale, causing outages, raising repair costs and exposing communities to safety risks. TCN’s quick reconfiguration is intended to reduce immediate impact on customers while repairs are done, but the company did not provide an estimated timeline for restoration or cost estimates for rebuilding the towers.