TCN Rehabilitates Four Vandalised Towers on Afam–Elelenwo 132kV Line, Warns of Threat to Grid Stability By Raymond Enoch
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commenced the rehabilitation of four transmission towers vandalised along the Afam–IPP–Elelenwo 132kV Double-Circuit Transmission Line in Rivers State, in another effort to protect critical infrastructure supporting the nation’s electricity supply.
TCN said the affected towers, identified as T50, T51, T52 and T53, were vandalised after tower members were removed and carted away by suspected vandals.
The damage was discovered on August 6, 2026, by lines engineers from TCN’s Port Harcourt Region during routine inspection of the transmission corridor.
According to the company, the latest incident represents the fifth vandalism attack on the same transmission line in recent times, underscoring the persistent security challenge confronting Nigeria’s electricity transmission infrastructure.
The Afam–IPP–Elelenwo 132kV Double-Circuit Line forms part of the transmission network serving the Port Harcourt axis and is therefore a critical component of the electricity infrastructure in the region.
TCN explained that its technical teams are currently working to rehabilitate the four affected towers and restore the integrity of the line infrastructure.
The repeated destruction of transmission facilities, the company noted, poses significant risks to the reliability and stability of electricity supply, while also creating additional financial and operational burdens associated with emergency repairs and infrastructure replacement.
The company consequently called on stakeholders, communities, security agencies and other relevant authorities to strengthen collaboration aimed at protecting transmission installations and preventing further attacks.
TCN stressed that safeguarding electricity infrastructure is a collective responsibility, particularly as the country continues efforts to improve the reliability and resilience of the national grid.
The company urged residents and communities along transmission corridors to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around electricity infrastructure to the appropriate authorities.
TCN reiterated that the rehabilitation of the four vandalised towers remains ongoing as its engineers work to restore the affected infrastructure.
The company appealed for increased public cooperation, stressing that sustained attacks on transmission facilities could undermine efforts to maintain a stable and reliable national electricity grid.
