Blackout Looms as Five Transmission Towers Collapse After Vandalism

A blackout may be looming in parts of Akwa Ibom State following the collapse of five transmission towers along the Ikot Abasi–Eket 132kV Double Circuit Transmission Line after extensive vandalism.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) disclosed this on Friday, saying the damage was discovered on August 9, 2026, during a routine joint patrol of the transmission line by its linesmen.

According to TCN, a preliminary assessment showed that critical structural bracing members had been removed from five transmission towers, causing them to collapse. The company said further inspection revealed that structural members had also been removed and stolen from seven additional towers along the same transmission corridor.

The seven additional affected towers, identified as J3, N8, N13, N14, N15, N18 and N19, have been structurally compromised and could also collapse if urgent intervention is not carried out.

TCN said the damage could affect electricity supply in the area and that the network had been reconfigured to mitigate the impact and prioritise supply to the Ekim Transmission Station, leaving Ibom Power as the only station without supply.

The transmission company said it was mobilising an urgent intervention to reconstruct the affected sections of the line and restore the network to normal operation.

It added that security agencies had been notified to assist with investigations and prevent further vandalism along the transmission route.

TCN condemned the incident as an act of sabotage and reiterated its commitment to maintaining a robust and reliable national electricity grid.

The company also urged relevant stakeholders, communities and security agencies to remain vigilant and support efforts to protect critical electricity infrastructure from vandalism and theft, warning that further attacks could lead to additional disruptions to power supply.