A transmission tower owned by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) collapsed in the Rigasa community of Kaduna State on Thursday, September 18, 2025, disrupting power supply to parts of Kaduna South.
The collapse, TCN explained, was caused by a combination of severe weather conditions and vandalism. Tower No. 7 along the Kaduna Town Line I and II gave way during heavy rainfall and strong winds, and on-site inspections revealed that vandals had removed several critical components, weakening the structure.
“This incident highlights the twin challenges of natural hazards and human interference that our transmission infrastructure faces,” a TCN spokesperson said. “The removal of key components by vandals significantly contributed to the collapse.”
The power disruption affected several Kaduna Electric distribution load centres, particularly those serving the southern part of the city. In response, TCN instructed the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) to temporarily link the 33kV Mogadishu feeder with the 33kV Abakwa feeder to ensure continued electricity supply to residents in the Mogadishu area.
Areas such as Kinkinau, Yan Tukwane, Kabala West, Unguwan Muazu, and parts of Kaduna North were reportedly unaffected and continued to receive normal power supply.
TCN engineers have begun dismantling the collapsed tower and are preparing to erect a replacement structure. The company reassured residents that all efforts are being made to restore full power transmission safely and promptly.
Ali Sharifa, General Manager of Transmission Service at TCN, emphasized the growing threat of infrastructure vandalism to Nigeria’s power sector. “We recorded 42 vandalism incidents in the first and second quarters of 2025, affecting 178 transmission towers nationwide. These attacks, combined with natural disasters, significantly disrupt the flow of electricity to our citizens,” he said.
Sharifa also highlighted other challenges faced by TCN, noting, “2024 and 2025 have been particularly trying years for us as we strive to provide uninterrupted power, with both vandals and natural hazards impacting key lines, including the Kainji-Birnin Kebbi 330kV SC line.”
The Transmission Company of Nigeria called on communities to report suspicious activities around transmission infrastructure and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding its facilities to ensure reliable electricity supply across the country.
