Blackout as vandals destroy transmission line in Abuja

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says one of its critical infrastructures, the Shiroro-Katampe 330 Kilo Volt (kV) transmission line, has been vandalized in Abuja.

The TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said this in a statement on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

According to Mbah, this is the fifth of such incident between February and March 2024.

Mbah noted that at 9 a. m. on Sunday, the Shiroro-Katampe transmission line experienced a trip, adding that after initial investigations, TCN engineers attempted to restore operation but were unsuccessful.

She said: Subsequently, efforts were made to identify the fault location. Hence, linesmen were dispatched to physically patrol the suspected area.

“During the fault tracing process, the vigilante team leaders in the vicinity notified TCN linesmen of vandalism along the transmission line.

TCN transmission tower vandalised in Abuja

“The company’s personnel confirmed the vandalisation of the transmission line 1, from Towers 244 to 245, and the conductors stolen.”

Mbah stated that the TCN has been mobilising for conductor replacement, pending the completion of security operations at the site.

“The second line remains fully operational, in conjunction with the Gwagwalada 330kV line serving the Kukwaba-Apo axis,” the TCN spokesperson added.

She said the wheeling capacity of TCN towards Abuja and environs would be enhanced by the Lokoja–Gwagwalada 330kV transmission line.

Mbah stated: “The company is working hard to minimise the adverse effect of these acts of sabotage on bulk power supply to Abuja and environs.

“This incident adds to a series of vandalism incidents recorded by TCN in February, including the destruction of Tower 70 along the Gwagwalade-Katampe transmission line on February 26.

“Other incidents include the vandalisation of towers 377 and 378 along the Gombe-Damaturu 330kV transmission line on February 23.”

She added: “Protection of the nation’s transmission infrastructure is paramount, and collective efforts are required to curb these incidents.

“The company calls on all Nigerians to assist in reporting such acts of vandalism. Electricity infrastructure is a national asset, and safeguarding it is a collective responsibility.”

The Star