The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported that vandals destroyed the 330kV Lokoja-Gwagwalada transmission line, disrupting bulk power transmission.
It was gathered that the incident, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, November 9, 2024, has caused disruptions to the electricity supply along this critical route.
In a statement released on Sunday, by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, said engineers attempted to re-energize the line early Saturday but faced an unexpected trip
Mbah said after unsuccessful reclosing efforts, TCN dispatched a patrol team to trace the line for potential faults.
The team discovered that towers T306, T307, and T308 had been vandalized, with thieves stealing two spans of aluminum conductor from the transmission line.
The statement reads, “The Lokoja–Gwagwalada line is a double-circuit transmission line, and while TCN is still supplying bulk power through line two, efforts are underway to source replacement aluminium conductors for the two spans stolen from line one.
“The rising trend of vandalism targeting transmission lines and towers has become a significant challenge, severely impacting the country’s power infrastructure and hindering the expansion and 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.”
Mbah noted that such acts of vandalism continue to disrupt the stability and growth of Nigeria’s national grid.
“We once again appeal to members of the public, especially residents of communities hosting transmission lines and towers, to collaborate with TCN and security operatives in combating this menace.
“Vandalism of power installations is a disservice to us all and undermines efforts to strengthen the nation’s transmission system,” Mbah added.