264 transmission towers vandalised in 18 months – TCN

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has stated that 264 transmission towers were vandalised in 2024 and the first half of 2025. Speaking during a Workshop for Energy correspondents organised by the TCN, its General Manager, Transmission Services, Engr. Ali Sharifai said this has led to a serious disruption in providing adequate electricity to Nigerians. […]

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has stated that 264 transmission towers were vandalised in 2024 and the first half of 2025.

Speaking during a Workshop for Energy correspondents organised by the TCN, its General Manager, Transmission Services, Engr. Ali Sharifai said this has led to a serious disruption in providing adequate electricity to Nigerians.

Sharifai said the lines witnessed 86 vandalised towers in 2024, while 178 were affected in the first half of 2025.

While stating that vandalism of transmission infrastructure peaked in 2024 and 2025, he said the company is currently working with security agencies and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to ensure vandals are brought to book in order to stem the menace.

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“The Years 2024 and 2025 have been the most trying times for TCN as a responsive public utility due to vandalism of its transmission line infrastructure by non-state actors. A total of 86 towers were vandalised in 2024, with 26 towers completely down, which put the affected states in total darkness. This vandalism spans across Abuja, Bauchi, Enugu, Shiroro, Kano and Port-Harcourt Regions.

He added that for the first and second quarters of 2025 alone, a total of 42 acts of vandalism were recorded affecting a total of 178 towers.

He said the act cut across its Abuja, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Kano, Lagos, Oshogbo, Shiroro and Kaduna regions.

“TCN is incurring significant costs due to repair, replacement and the need for increased security measures to address vandalism.

“This is also affecting grid expansion efforts as monies to pay contractors’ invoices are used on repairs. It also creates concern with public safety whenever transmission infrastructure is vandalized.

He added that the company has been reaching out to locals where the transmission lines are prone to vandalism, saying its collaboration with Yobe and Borno state governments has helped to stop the act on the Damaturu-Molai (Maiduguri) 330kV lines.