Vandals have collapsed six transmission towers along the Apir–Lafia 330kV corridor, cutting electricity supply to parts of North-Central Nigeria including areas under Abuja and Jos distribution networks.
TCN confirmed that towers T125 to T130 on Apir–Lafia 330kV Transmission Lines I and II were vandalized and collapsed at about 1:15am on May 30, 2026, during a heavy downpour. An attempt to reclose Line II at 2:08am failed.
TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah said engineers who inspected the corridor found extensive damage to critical tower components, confirming the collapse was not caused by weather alone.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that six transmission towers, from T125 to T130, on Apir–Lafia 330kV Transmission Lines I and II have been vandalised. The collapse occurred at about 1:15 a.m. on May 30, 2026, during a heavy downpour,” Mbah stated.
Both transmission lines remain out of service pending reconstruction of the affected towers.
To limit the impact, TCN said supply to the Lafia 330kV station is being sustained through the Lafia–Jos line as a temporary measure.
However, the outage directly affects customers under Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, and Jos Electricity Distribution Company, JEDC.
TCN engineers have been mobilized to the site to assess damage and determine materials needed for immediate restoration.
The company condemned the recurring attacks, saying vandalism of transmission facilities undermines years of investment and threatens grid stability.
“We appeal to host communities and the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around transmission installations to security agencies or the nearest TCN office. Collective action is essential to protect national grid assets and ensure reliable power supply,” Mbah added.
The incident adds to growing concerns over attacks on Nigeria’s power infrastructure, with stakeholders calling for stronger protection of transmission assets nationwide.
