Power Grid Sabotage: Vandals Bring Down Tower T99 on Ughelli–Benin 330kV Line
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed the collapse of Tower T99 along the Ughelli–Benin 330kV transmission line, attributing the incident to acts of vandalism.
According to TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, the transmission tower was brought down by vandals on March 15, 2026.
She explained that the incident was discovered during a routine line patrol at Coconut Village in Effurun Local Government Area of Warri, Delta State, following a line trip.
Upon inspection, TCN linesmen observed that several bracing members of the tower had been vandalised and carted away, leading to its eventual collapse. She added that adjoining towers, T100 and T101, were also vandalised, although they remain standing.
As a result of the damage, there is a temporary disruption in the evacuation of bulk power supply from Transcorp Power Plc to the national grid via the Benin 330kV transmission line.
Ndidi, however, said it has commenced the mobilisation of materials and personnel to ensure the swift reconstruction, restoration, and reinforcement of the affected towers and transmission line.
She reiterated that vandalism poses a serious threat to the stability of Nigeria’s power transmission system and urged host communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around power installations to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.
She further stressed that safeguarding power infrastructure is a collective responsibility and called on all stakeholders to support efforts to protect critical national assets from further attacks.