The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has announced the collapse of five transmission towers along the Ikot Abasi – Eket 132kV Double Circuit Transmission Line. The company says the incident was caused by severe acts of vandalism.

The damage was discovered on August 9th, 2026, during a routine joint line patrol by TCN linesmen. According to TCN, the patrol team found that critical structural bracing members had been removed from the towers.

Preliminary assessment shows that Towers N9, N10, N11, N12, and N13 collapsed completely. Tower N15 was also affected. The removal of structural members made the towers unable to stand.

‎Further inspection revealed that structural members were also removed and stolen from seven additional towers along the same transmission corridor. TCN said those towers are now structurally compromised and at risk of further collapse.

‎To reduce the impact on electricity supply to the area, the network has been reconfigured. TCN said supply to the affected communities will now be prioritized from Ibom Power as a temporary measure.

The Management of TCN said it is mobilizing an urgent intervention to reconstruct the affected sections of the line. Engineers and technical teams are expected to begin work immediately to restore full transmission capacity.

Security agencies have also been notified. TCN said the agencies will aid investigations and help prevent further acts of vandalism along the transmission line route.

‎In a statement signed by TCN Management, the company condemned the act of sabotage. It reiterated its commitment to working hard to maintain a robust and reliable national grid, and called on host communities to help protect power infrastructure.