Five electricity transmission towers along the Ikot Abasi–Eket 132kV Double Circuit Transmission Line have collapsed following extensive vandalism, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said.
The incident was discovered during a routine joint patrol by TCN linesmen, who found that critical structural components had been removed from several towers along the transmission corridor.
According to the company, the removal of bracing members from Towers N9, N10, N11, N12, N13 and N15 contributed to the collapse of five towers.
Further checks revealed that structural components had also been removed from seven other towers on the line. TCN said the affected structures have been weakened and could collapse if urgent repairs are not carried out.
The damage is expected to affect the transmission of electricity through the affected corridor.
However, TCN said it had reconfigured the network to prioritise electricity supply from Ibom Power in an effort to minimise the impact of the incident on power supply.
The company said it had begun mobilising resources for the urgent reconstruction of the damaged sections of the transmission line.
Security agencies have also been notified and are expected to assist with investigations into the vandalism and strengthen security along the transmission route.
TCN condemned the incident as an act of sabotage, stressing that continued vandalism of critical transmission infrastructure poses a threat to the stability and reliability of the national electricity grid.
The company appealed for public support and vigilance, urging residents along transmission corridors to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
