In a disturbing trend that is threatening Nigeria’s already fragile power infrastructure, over 18 transmission towers have been vandalised across Rivers, Abia, and Kano states between January 9 and 14, 2025. This wave of attacks has prompted urgent calls from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for immediate action to curb the growing menace.
According to a statement from the company’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, the damage inflicted upon the transmission towers in the past two weeks is not just a financial blow, but also poses significant risks to national power supply. TCN, the country’s sole electricity transmission operator, is now scrambling to contain the aftermath of the destruction, which continues to undermine efforts for grid expansion and reliable electricity delivery.
Devastating Attacks in Rivers, Abia, and Kano
The vandalism spree began on January 9, 2025, when vandals targeted transmission towers 105, 106, and 107 along the Katsina-Gazoua 132/33kV line in Kano State. These critical towers were severely damaged, compromising their structural integrity and leaving the region’s power supply in jeopardy. TCN engineers noted that the destruction could lead to an eventual collapse of the transmission lines, worsening an already strained grid.
Days later, between January 10 and 14, other regions were hit. In Rivers State, routine patrols uncovered serious damage to transmission towers 171 through 181, with towers 184 also affected. TCN’s Port Harcourt Region Manager, Mr. Emmanuel Okpa, confirmed that vital components were either stolen or destroyed, severely weakening the stability of the towers.
Further west in Abia State, another alarming discovery was made when TCN’s Lines Department Head, Mr. Azuh Lucky, reported the theft of critical parts from towers 160 to 162 on the Alaoji/Umuahia 132kV line. The bolts, nuts, and structural members removed from the towers have left the lines precariously unstable, raising concerns about potential power failures in the region.
The Most Recent Attack: Underground Cables in Abuja
In what appears to be a coordinated attack on Nigeria’s power infrastructure, on January 17, 2025, TCN engineers in Abuja discovered further sabotage: 132kV underground transmission cables had been vandalised near Millennium Park. This attack disrupted power supply to central Abuja, a region that is home to numerous government buildings and critical infrastructure, including hospitals and communication networks. The sabotage has resulted in severe outages, further compounding the difficulties for the nation’s power sector.
A Growing National Threat
The vandalism of transmission towers and cables is not a new issue for Nigeria, but the frequency and scale of attacks in the past month have heightened concerns. TCN’s efforts to expand and strengthen the national power grid are now being severely hampered by these acts of sabotage, which directly impact the company’s ability to meet the country’s electricity needs.
Mrs. Mbah, in her statement, emphasized the severe implications of the attacks: “The persistent vandalism is putting a strain on our grid expansion plans. Each time a tower is damaged or cables are stolen, TCN incurs huge costs for repairs and replacements. This not only delays our efforts to improve the national grid, but it also undermines the entire power sector, which is crucial for Nigeria’s socio-economic development.”
In addition to the physical damage, these acts of vandalism have caused significant financial losses. Mrs. Mbah revealed that the cost of repairs and replacements for the damaged transmission infrastructure is considerable. However, the broader impact is felt across the nation as the constant disruptions to power supply stall economic activities, affect businesses, and inconvenience millions of Nigerians.
An Appeal for Collective Action
In light of the widespread and recurring damage, TCN is stepping up efforts to secure its transmission installations. Mrs. Mbah confirmed that the company has increased security measures, including more frequent patrols of transmission lines and the addition of more vigilant community watch groups. The company is also working closely with local and national security forces to prevent further sabotage.
However, despite these measures, TCN has called on the public to assist in securing the nation’s power infrastructure. “We need the support of every Nigerian,” said Mbah. “The transmission network is a national asset, and its protection is essential for the socio-economic development of our country. The vandals and those who purchase stolen materials are contributing to the destruction of our collective future.”
Mrs. Mbah also stressed the importance of community involvement in safeguarding the power grid, especially in areas where TCN installations are located. She called on Nigerians to report suspicious activities and cooperate with law enforcement in rooting out the individuals behind the attacks.
The Role of Vigilance and Public Awareness
The increasing frequency of attacks on TCN infrastructure highlights the need for greater public awareness about the importance of the power grid and the severe consequences of its sabotage. Communities hosting TCN’s transmission towers are urged to see the protection of these installations as part of their civic duty.
Mrs. Mbah’s statement also reflected the deep frustration felt by many Nigerians as the country continues to battle the persistent challenges of inadequate power supply and a crumbling infrastructure. The TCN’s plea for unity is a call for Nigerians to recognize that the destruction of power infrastructure affects everyone, and collective action is needed to safeguard the future of the nation’s power sector.
“The future of our nation’s power sector lies in the hands of every citizen,” Mbah said. “We must all rise to the occasion and prevent this sabotage from continuing.”
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Hopes for Recovery
While TCN is doing its part to mitigate the damage and secure the power grid, the persistent sabotage remains a significant hurdle. The challenges faced by the company in restoring the grid and expanding the transmission network are enormous. Nonetheless, with greater collaboration from the public and enhanced security measures, there is hope that the damage caused by these criminal acts can be minimized.
