By | Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commenced rehabilitation work on four vandalised transmission towers along the Afam/IPP/Elelenwo 132kV Double Circuit Transmission Line, warning that the damage posed a serious threat to reliable electricity transmission along the corridor.
The affected towers, identified as T50, T51, T52 and T53, were discovered by TCN linedmen on August 6, 2026.
According to the company, further inspection revealed that critical bracing members had been removed from the towers by vandals, compromising the structural integrity of all four facilities.
In response, TCN said it had urgently mobilised a contractor to the site to undertake the necessary repairs, with a formal handover ceremony held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, by the Port Harcourt Transmission Region to officially mark the commencement of the rehabilitation works.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Head of Lines, Port Harcourt Transmission Region, Engr. Azuh Lucky, who represented TCN Management, stressed the importance of stronger community participation in protecting critical electricity infrastructure.
Lucky called on residents of Elelenwo, traditional rulers and the Local Government Chairman to support the company in its efforts to combat vandalism as rehabilitation work progresses.
He emphasised that sustained public awareness, vigilance and cooperation among members of the host communities were essential to preventing further attacks on transmission facilities.
TCN said it remained conscious of the danger posed by the vandalism of the towers to the reliable transmission of electricity along the Afam/IPP/Elelenwo corridor.
“The Company will do everything possible to ensure the timely completion of the rehabilitation works,” TCN said.
The company appealed to residents of Elelenwo and neighbouring communities to support the ongoing rehabilitation efforts and remain vigilant against acts of vandalism around transmission infrastructure.
According to TCN, the cooperation of host communities would be critical to protecting the rehabilitated facilities and ensuring reliable and uninterrupted power transmission along the line.
The company reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure while calling for greater collaboration between electricity consumers, community leaders and relevant authorities in the fight against vandalism.
