Blackout in Abuja areas as vandals remove TCN cables

Transmission lines taking power to parts of Abuja have again been attacked by vandals.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, January 17, 2025, at the 132kv transmission line and underground cable transmitting bulk power to the 132kv Central Area transmission substation, Katampe in the Central Area of Abuja.

This has affected supply of electricity to Maitama, Wuse, and Garki areas of Abuja.

While lamenting the incessant act of vandalism of power cables across the counry, the Transmission company of Nigeria (TCN) said it has dispatched a team of engineers to the site to ensure quick restoration of power in the affected areas.

The TCN, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, appealed to affected residents to bear with the transmission agency, saying efforts were ongoing to ensure repairs of the vandalised cables.

Mbah further revealed that the incident affected distribution feeders feeding the Central Area, saying over 60 per cent of power supply to Abuja was involved.

TCN: Power outage caused by line tripping, no grid collapse

Mbah stated: “The vandalism of this critical transmission infrastructure is suspected to have been carried out by unknown persons around Menillum park axis of Abuja.

“The vandals carted away 40 meters of 1x500mm xlpeconductor on the 2No of 132kv transmission line

“The incident has affected the power supply to Maitama, Wuse, Jabi, Lifecamp, Asokoro, Utako, Mabushi, and part of Presidential Villa.

“TCN engineers have been mobilised to the site to repair the vandalised cable.

“TCN enjoins all Nigerians to be vigilant to protect our transmission equipment.”

The Star