Vandals damage electricity transmission line in Abuja

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported the vandalism of one of its critical infrastructures, the Shiroro-Katampe 330kV transmission line, marking the sixth such incident this year.

Key components of the conductor between towers T216 and T218 were stolen by the vandals.

In a statement issued on Thursday night, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, confirmed that the line was vandalised on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at approximately 11:43 PM, resulting in a blackout in the affected area.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria regrets to announce that its 330kV Shiroro – Katampe transmission line was vandalised on Wednesday, 18th December 2024. At approximately 11:43 PM, the 330kV Shiroro-Katampe circuit lost supply on the grid. A trial reclosure was attempted, but the line tripped again immediately,” the statement said.

A TCN lines patrol team was promptly dispatched from the Abuja Regional Office to investigate the cause of the fault, and further crews have been deployed to replace the stolen conductor.

“The TCN lines patrol team discovered that vandals had stolen part of the conductor between towers T216 and T218. The TCN maintenance crew is working tirelessly to replace the vandalised 330kV power conductor, and the restoration of bulk power supply through the affected line is expected soon,” Mbah added.

TCN appealed to the public for assistance in reporting suspicious activities around power transmission infrastructure to help prevent further acts of vandalism and apprehend the culprits.

“We urge the general public to assist in identifying and reporting suspicious activities around power transmission infrastructure. Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in helping us prevent vandalism and apprehend the culprits,” the statement concluded.