The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported that five towers along the Ikot Abasi-Eket 132kV transmission route have fallen after being targeted by vandals. TCN staff discovered the extensive damage on August 9, 2026, while conducting a scheduled patrol.
An initial review revealed that essential structural components were stolen from Towers N9, N10, N11, N12, N13, and N15, which triggered the collapse of five of those structures. Additional inspections found that parts were also pilfered from seven other towers, leaving them unstable and threatening the local power supply.
In response, TCN has rerouted the network to prioritize energy distribution from Ibom Power. The company is now planning emergency repairs to restore the damaged lines and has alerted security agencies to assist with investigations. TCN officials have described the event as an act of sabotage and are asking nearby communities to help safeguard national infrastructure.