Armed men attacked, damaged power transformer in Kogi, says TCN

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says armed men invaded its 330/132/33kV transmission substation in Obajana, Kogi state. 

Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s public affairs manager, in a statement on Wednesday,  said the attack occurred at the ongoing transmission site on the night of November 12, 2024, at approximately 11:55 pm.

Mbah said the new Obajana substation, which is designed as a 1X150MVA 330/132/33kV capacity substation, is intended to significantly enhance power supply to Kogi and surrounding areas upon completion. 

“According to reports from security personnel at the site, the assailants opened fire indiscriminately, causing the guards to flee,” Mbah said.

“During the attack, a 150MVA 330/132/33kV power transformer, already positioned on its plinth, was struck, resulting in a burst radiator.

“In response to the incident, TCN is evaluating the level of damage in collaboration with the contractor managing the project.

“This incident is part of a broader pattern of vandalism targeting transmission infrastructure across the country.”

On November 10, TCN said its 330-kilovolt (kV) in Lokoja – Gwagwalada transmission line 1 attacked and destroyed by vandals.

The company said the vandals damaged transmission towers T306, T307, and T308.

TCN also expressed concerns over the increasing trend of vandalism targeting transmission lines and tower, adding that the attacks were severely impacting the country’s power infrastructure.