…TCN decries worsening security situation as vandals, black market buyers escalate sabotage
…130 transmission towers destroyed by vandals, bandits between Jan.13-Dec 18, 2024 -Advisors Reports’ check
Oredola Adeola
Nigeria’s power sector is grappling with a significant challenge as over 20 transmission towers were vandalized across Abuja, Rivers, Abia, and Kano States within six days.
This alarming wave of sabotage reached a critical point on January 17, 2025, when a 132kV transmission line and underground cables supplying electricity to Abuja’s Central Area, including the Presidential Villa, were attacked.
Nigeria’s power sector is grappling with a significant challenge as over 20 transmission towers were vandalized across Abuja, Rivers, Abia, and Kano States within six days.
Advisors Reports’ check showed that bandits and vandals destroyed 130 transmission towers across the country between January 13 and December 18, 2024.
The coordinated nature of these attacks suggests the involvement of organized networks of vandals and unscrupulous buyers of stolen power materials.
Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), confirmed these incidents in a statement obtained by Advisors Reports on Sunday.
According to her, persistent vandalism of TCN installations is placing tremendous strain on the company’s grid expansion plans.
Mbah noted that the financial burden of repairing damaged installations, combined with the operational stress on the grid, is severely impacting TCN’s capacity to drive grid expansion and improve power delivery.
The coordinated nature of these attacks suggests the involvement of organized networks of vandals and unscrupulous buyers of stolen power materials.
Engr. Emmanuel Okpa, General Manager of Transmission for the Port Harcourt Region, reported that routine patrols on January 10, 2025, revealed damage to towers 171 through 181 and tower 184.
Similarly, on January 14, vandals targeted towers 146, 147, and 149 along the Owerri/Ahoada 132kV line in Rivers State, removing base brackets and compromising the stability of the structures.
In Abia State, Engr. Azuh Lucky, Head of the Lines Department for the region, reported the theft of bolts, nuts, and structural components from towers 160 to 162 on the Alaoji/Umuahia 132kV line, which was already under repair as of January 13, 2025.
In Kano State, towers 105, 106, and 107 along the Katsina-Gazoua 132/33kV transmission line were critically damaged on January 9, 2025, endangering their structural integrity.
The most recent incident occurred in Abuja on January 17, 2025, when engineers discovered vandalized 132kV underground cables near Millennium Park.
Mbah emphasized that these incidents pose a significant operational challenge for TCN. In response, the company has bolstered security measures, increased patrols along transmission lines, engaged more vigilante groups, and strengthened collaboration with security agencies.
The TCN spokesperson also appealed for the support of all Nigerians, particularly those residing in communities hosting transmission infrastructure.
Mbah further urged communities to report suspicious activities and condemned both vandals and buyers of stolen materials, stating that their actions amount to sabotaging the nation.
Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, during his recent budget presentation to the National Assembly, stressed the urgent need to address vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure across the country.
Adelabu emphasized, “It is important we sensitize our people against this act. We must engage in serious advocacy and jointly address the issue of protecting power assets.
“Damage to one installation affects the entire network, especially transmission assets, which are highly interconnected.”
The Minister called for the cooperation and collaboration of all security agencies, including the Army, Airforce, Navy, Police, and Civil Defence, as well as the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“This is not just about cable theft but deliberate acts of sabotage. Our transmission line from Shiroro to Mando in Kaduna, attacked by bandits, was repaired under emergency conditions akin to a war situation.
“These incidents strain our resources and go beyond what we budget for, making asset protection a shared responsibility,” he stated.
Adelabu assured lawmakers that the government is intensifying efforts to tackle this menace but stressed the need for collective action.
He urged all stakeholders, including communities hosting power infrastructure, to support initiatives aimed at safeguarding these critical assets.
“Protecting our power infrastructure is vital for national development,” the Minister said.
