TCN: Vandals stole power cable, damaged transmission line in Abuja

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says its 330 kilovolts (kV) Shiroro-Katampe transmission line was vandalised.

In a statement on Thursday, Ndidi Mbah, general manager of public affairs at TCN, said key components of the conductor between towers T216 and T218 were stolen by the vandals.

Mbah said the line was vandalised on Wednesday at approximately 11:43 pm, causing a blackout in the affected area.

“A TCN lines patrol team was dispatched from the Abuja Regional office of TCN to investigate the cause of the fault,” she said.

“The team discovered that vandals had stolen part of the conductor between towers T216 and T218.

“The TCN lines maintenance crew has since mobilized to the site and is working assiduously to replace the vandalized 330kV power conductor.”

Mbah said restoration of bulk power supply through the affected line is expected soon.

“We appeal to the general public to assist in identifying and reporting suspicious activities around power transmission infrastructure,” she added.

“Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in helping us to prevent acts of vandalism or apprehend the culprits.”

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

On October 18, the TCN  said two towers along its 330-kilovolt (kV) Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines one and two have been vandalised.