Five transmission towers collapse in A’Ibom after vandalism

Five electricity transmission towers along the Ikot Abasi-Eket 132kV Double Circuit Transmission Line in Nigeria's Akwa Ibom State have collapsed following severe vandalism. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported that the damage was discovered during a routine patrol on August 9, 2026.

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Preliminary assessment indicates that critical structural bracing members were removed from Towers N9, J4, N10, N11 and N12, resulting in the collapse of five towers.

According to a TCN statement, a preliminary assessment revealed that essential structural bracing members were removed from Towers N9, J4, N10, N11, and N12, leading to their collapse. Further inspections uncovered that structural members had also been removed and stolen from seven additional towers within the same transmission corridor, identified as J3, N8, N13, N14, N15, N18, and N19. The TCN warned that these towers are now structurally compromised and at risk of collapse.

To mitigate the impact on electricity supply, the TCN has reconfigured the network to prioritize supply to the Ekim transmission station, leaving only the Ibom Power station without supply. The company is mobilizing an urgent intervention to reconstruct the affected sections of the transmission line and restore normal operations.

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To mitigate the impact on electricity supply, the network has been reconfigured to prioritize supply to Ekim transmission station, leaving Ibom Power as the only station without supply.

The TCN has notified security agencies to assist in investigations and prevent further vandalism along the transmission route. The company condemned the act of sabotage and reiterated its commitment to maintaining a robust national grid, urging stakeholders and security agencies to remain vigilant in protecting critical electricity infrastructure.

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We condemn this act of sabotage and reiterate our commitment to working hard to maintain a robust and reliable national grid.