The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported a new case of vandalism on its 330kV Lokoja-Gwagwalada transmission line one, disrupting power transmission in the region.
In a statement issued by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, it was revealed that transmission towers T306, T307, and T308 were affected by the incident, which occurred early on Saturday, November 9, 2024.
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Mbah explained that the TCN engineers attempted to re-energize the line but faced challenges as it tripped.
“Early on Saturday, TCN engineers attempted to re-energize the 330kV Lokoja–Gwagwalada transmission line one, but the line tripped. After efforts to reclose the line failed, a patrol team of TCN linesmen was dispatched to physically trace the line for faults. Upon inspection, they discovered the affected towers. Further examination revealed that the vandals had stolen two spans of aluminium conductor from line one,” the statement read.
The Lokoja–Gwagwalada line is a double-circuit transmission line. While power supply is still ongoing through line two, TCN is working to replace the stolen aluminium conductors on line one.
Mbah highlighted the increasing cases of vandalism targeting transmission lines, noting that these acts are severely affecting Nigeria’s power infrastructure and hindering the stability of the national grid.
“This recent incident adds to an alarming pattern of attacks on the transmission network nationwide. In the Gwagwalada area alone, recent acts of vandalism include the attack on the Gwagwalada–Kukuwaba-Apo transmission line on 10th December 2023, the Gwagwalada-Katampe line on February 26, 2024, and several others on that axis. Such acts of vandalism continue to disrupt the stability and growth of Nigeria’s national grid,” she said.
Mbah called on the public, especially those in communities hosting transmission lines, to support TCN and security agencies in addressing this challenge. She noted that vandalizing power infrastructure undermines efforts to enhance the nation’s transmission system and serves as a disservice to all.
