By Gabriel Ameh
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commenced rehabilitation works on four vandalised transmission towers along the Afam/IPP/Elelenwo 132kV Double Circuit Transmission Line in Rivers State.
The affected towers, identified as T50, T51, T52 and T53, were discovered to have been vandalised after TCN linesmen inspected the transmission corridor on August 6, 2026.
Further inspection revealed that critical bracing members had been removed from the four towers, compromising their structural integrity and creating a potential risk to the reliable transmission of electricity along the corridor.
Following the discovery, TCN said it urgently mobilised a contractor to the site to carry out the necessary repairs.
A formal handover ceremony was subsequently held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, by the Port Harcourt Transmission Region to mark the commencement of the rehabilitation project.
TCN seeks community support.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Head of Lines, Port Harcourt Transmission Region, Engr. Azuh Lucky, who represented TCN management, called for greater community involvement in protecting electricity infrastructure.
He appealed to residents of Elelenwo, traditional rulers and the relevant Local Government Chairman to support the company’s efforts to prevent further vandalism while the rehabilitation works are ongoing.
According to TCN, sustained community awareness and cooperation are essential to protecting transmission facilities from vandals and ensuring that repaired infrastructure remains secure.
Vandalism poses risk to electricity supply
TCN said vandalism of transmission towers poses a significant risk to the reliable transmission of electricity along the affected corridor.
The company said it is committed to completing the rehabilitation works as quickly as possible and restoring the towers to a safe and operational condition.
TCN also urged residents of Elelenwo and surrounding communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around transmission facilities.
The company stressed that community cooperation will be critical to safeguarding the rehabilitated towers and protecting the transmission line from future attacks.
