The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported another incident of vandalism affecting its critical infrastructure, specifically the 330kV Shiroro-Katampe transmission line.
The attack occurred on Wednesday at approximately 11:43 PM, resulting in a significant power outage across the grid. Despite attempts to restore supply through a trial reclosure, the line tripped again almost immediately, prompting urgent investigations by TCN.
A TCN lines patrol team, the company says, was dispatched from the Abuja Regional office to investigate the fault. The team discovered that vandals had stolen part of the conductor between towers T216 and T218.
The recurring nature of these attacks has raised alarms about the security of Nigeria’s critical power infrastructure. TCN officials have expressed frustration over these repeated acts of vandalism, which undermine efforts to enhance the country’s power transmission network. The impact of such vandalism extends beyond immediate power outages, it poses a substantial economic burden on the nation, according to the company.
TCN frustrated over ‘repeated acts of vandalism’
The TCN lines maintenance crew has since mobilised to the site and is working diligently to replace the vandalised 330kV power conductor. The incident was reported by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), with spokesperson Ndidi Mbah providing details that the incident marks the fifth reported attack on the Shiroro-Katampe transmission line since February 2024.
The recurring nature of these attacks has raised alarms about the security of Nigeria’s critical power infrastructure. TCN officials have expressed frustration over these repeated acts of vandalism, which undermine efforts to enhance the country’s power transmission network. The impact of such vandalism extends beyond immediate power outages, it poses a substantial economic burden on the nation, according to the company.
The financial implications of these attacks are significant. Each incident not only disrupts power supply but also diverts resources away from essential development projects aimed at strengthening the national grid and improving electricity access across Nigeria. As more funds are spent on repairs, the ability to enhance and stabilize electricity supply becomes increasingly challenging.
In a statement following the latest incident, the company’s spokesperson, Mbah reiterates TCN’s appeal to the public for vigilance and cooperation in reporting suspicious activities around power transmission infrastructure. “Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in helping us prevent acts of vandalism or apprehend the culprits,” she says.
In response to this latest act of vandalism, TCN says it has mobilised its lines maintenance crew to replace the stolen conductor and restore bulk power supply through the affected line as soon as possible. While restoration efforts are underway, the company says that residents in affected areas may experience continued disruptions until repairs are completed.
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