Nigeria's power grid under siege as vandalism triggers blackouts and demolitions
A critical transmission tower along the Ughelli/Benin 330kV line collapsed on March 15, 2026, after an act of vandalism. The incident triggered partial power outages in the region and prompted urgent action from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The collapse of Tower T99 marked the latest in a series of attacks on Nigeria's power infrastructure. Between January 9 and 14, 2025, vandals targeted over 18 transmission towers, raising concerns about grid security. TCN responded by launching emergency measures to restore stability and prevent further disruptions.
On March 23, 2026, TCN enforced Right-of-Way (RoW) compliance in Kudenda, Kaduna. Working with the Kaduna State Urban and Regional Planning Agency (KASUPDA) and security forces, the company demolished illegal residential and commercial buildings encroaching on the transmission corridor. These structures had remained despite compensation being paid to affected persons in 2021. The demolition was deemed essential to protect the national grid from future risks. TCN officials stressed that clearing the RoW would reduce the likelihood of further vandalism and improve the reliability of power transmission.
The enforcement action in Kaduna follows a pattern of repeated vandalism and encroachment on transmission infrastructure. With the RoW now cleared, TCN aims to restore full service and prevent additional outages. The company continues to monitor the grid for further threats.
