Vandals destroyed 178 electricity towers in 42 incidents, says TCN GM

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it has recorded at least 42 acts of vandalism, affecting 178 towers so far.

Ali Sharifa, general manager of transmission service at the TCN, spoke on Thursday during a presentation on infrastructure vandalism at a workshop organised for journalists in Keffi, Nasarawa state.

According to NAN, Sharifa said 2024 and 2025 have been the most challenging years for the company as a responsive public utility due to the vandalism of its transmission infrastructure by non-state actors.

“A total of 86 towers were vandalised in 2024, with 26 towers completely down, which plunged affected states into total darkness,” he said.

“These acts of vandalism spanned Abuja, Bauchi, Enugu, Shiroro, Kano, and Port-Harcourt regions.

“In the first and second quarters of 2025 alone, 42 acts of vandalism were recorded, affecting a total of 178 towers.”

Sharifa said natural disasters compounded the situation, hindering the smooth flow of electricity to the grid.

“Recently, six towers (T306, T307, T308, T365, T366, and T367) along the Kainji-Birnin Kebbi 330kV SC (International) line collapsed in May due to windstorms and torrential rainfall,” he said.

“In the same month, the Apir-Lafia-Jos 330kV DC Line Tower T137 partially collapsed due to similar weather conditions.”

The TCN official attributed the acts of vandalism to sabotage, and political and economic motives.

He outlined the impacts of infrastructure vandalism on the TCN, including the disruption of power supply across the sector, as generated power could not be transmitted to distribution ends.

“Other effects include significant costs incurred by the company for repairs, replacements, and increased security measures, as well as delays in grid expansion projects due to the financial strain caused by these acts,” Sharifa said.

“The public is also at risk whenever transmission infrastructure is vandalised.”

He said the TCN is taking steps to address the issue, including engaging local communities in areas prone to vandalism.

Sharifa said the transmission company is also collaborating with the office of the national security adviser (ONSA) for the protection of vulnerable power lines.

“TCN has reached out to ONSA to safeguard critical transmission lines against vandalism,” the general manager said.

“A pilot scheme will deploy state-of-the-art technology to monitor and deter future acts of vandalism. Sensitisation campaigns, jingles, and sponsored programmes on social and traditional media have also increased public awareness, emphasising that TCN property is the people’s property.”

He noted that these efforts have already yielded results, leading to the arrest and prosecution of vandals.