TCN Confirms Collapse of Major Transmission Tower Due to Vandalism in Effurun

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed that a major electricity transmission tower along the Ughelli–Benin 330kV line collapsed due to vandalism. In a statement issued on Thursday, the agency explained that Tower T99 caved in on March 15, 2026, after vandals removed critical structural components. The incident took place in Effurun Local Government Area of Delta State, near Warri.

According to TCN, the damage was uncovered during a routine patrol following a system trip on the route. Engineers who visited the site discovered that several bracing members had been tampered with and stolen, which weakened the structure and led to its collapse. The company also noted that two nearby towers, T100 and T101, had been vandalized as well, though they remain standing for now, raising concerns about the overall security of the transmission corridor.

The collapse has temporarily disrupted the evacuation of bulk electricity from Transcorp Power Plc to the national grid through the Benin 330kV line, potentially affecting power supply in areas dependent on the route. However, TCN assured the public that efforts to restore normal operations are already underway, with personnel and materials being mobilized to reconstruct the fallen tower and reinforce damaged sections of the line.

TCN warned that the persistent vandalism of power infrastructure continues to threaten the stability and reliability of the nation’s electricity supply. The company called on residents and host communities to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity near power installations to security agencies or nearby TCN offices.