TCN Confirms Tower Collapse in Kaduna, Blames Vandals and Severe Weather
Collapse of a critical transmission tower
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed the collapse of one of its key transmission towers in Kaduna State. The affected structure, Tower No. 7, was part of the Kaduna Town Line I and II in Rigasa Community. It came down on Thursday, September 18, after a heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds.
In a statement issued by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager of Public Affairs at TCN, the company disclosed that vandalism had weakened the tower long before the weather event. Engineers who inspected the site found that vandals had removed critical structural components, leaving the tower vulnerable.
Power disruptions and emergency measures
The incident disrupted bulk electricity transmission to several load centres managed by Kaduna Electric. Areas in Kaduna South were particularly affected by partial outages.
To reduce the impact, TCN initiated emergency measures in coordination with Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO). Among these steps was the linking of the 33kV Mogadishu feeder with the 33kV Abakwa feeder to sustain supply to customers in Mogadishu.
Despite these disruptions, power supply remains stable in some locations. Areas such as Kinkinau, Yan Tukwane, Kabala West, Unguwan Muazu, and Kaduna North continue to enjoy electricity without interruption.
Efforts to restore power
TCN engineers have already mobilised to the collapse site. Work has begun with the dismantling of the damaged tower, while plans for erecting a replacement structure are underway. The company assured residents that efforts are being made to restore full transmission as quickly and safely as possible.
This incident highlights the growing vulnerability of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. Towers face constant threats from vandalism, severe weather, and aging conditions.
Rising incidents of vandalism
The collapse in Kaduna is not an isolated case. TCN has reported a disturbing rise in infrastructure attacks across the country. According to the General Manager of Transmission Service at TCN, Ali Sharifa, 42 vandalism incidents were recorded in the first and second quarters of 2025 alone. These attacks affected 178 transmission towers nationwide.
Sharifa noted that 2024 and 2025 have been particularly difficult for TCN as vandals and other non-state actors continue to target transmission lines. Natural disasters have also compounded the problem. Recently, TCN recorded damage on the Kainji-Birnin Kebbi 330kV international line due to extreme weather conditions.
Communities urged to protect infrastructure
The company has called on communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around power installations. Safeguarding transmission towers is vital, not only to ensure electricity supply but also to secure the foundation of Nigeria’s economic stability.
While TCN continues to strengthen its security strategies, the collaboration of communities and law enforcement agencies will be essential in reducing the menace of vandalism.
The collapse of Tower No. 7 in Kaduna underscores the dual challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector. On one hand, natural disasters continue to test infrastructure resilience. On the other, the deliberate actions of vandals weaken the nation’s progress towards reliable power supply. TCN’s swift emergency response shows commitment, but lasting solutions will require collective vigilance and stronger protection measures.