Sections of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, are currently without power as a result of the vandalization of Transmission Company of Nigeria’s (TCN) Tower 70 along the 33kV Gwagwalada-Katampe line.
TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, confirmed the incident, stating that the tower was vandalized on Monday at 11:32 pm.
She added that the incident had reduced bulk power supply flexibility and the power volume into Abuja by 250MW.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) hereby states that Tower 70 along its 330kV Gwagwalada -Katampe Transmission line has been vandalized, with the tower standing precariously on the ground.
“The sad incident occurred on the 26th of February, 2024, at about 11.32 pm. At the time, the Gwagwalada – Katampe Transmission line tripped at Gwagwalada Transmission Substation and trial reclosure by TCN Operators failed, necessitating a physical patrol of the line.
“The TCN lines and patrol team discovered that the four (4) tower footings of Tower 70 were vandalized, destroying the tower legs and causing the tower to stand on the ground, supported by conductors.
“The incident has reduced bulk power supply flexibility and the volume of power into Abuja by 250MW.
“Meanwhile, TCN has mobilized to the site of the incident and has commenced an emergency repair of the damaged tower and its associated equipment.
“We reiterate the need for vigilance in the fight against vandalism of power equipment. It is important that we report suspicious movements around all power equipment to security operatives or the nearest TCN offices nationwide”, it stated.
Recall that since December, power supply in Nigeria has dropped nationwide.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had attributed the drop in power supply to gas constraints.
Meanwhile, efforts to solve the challenge, including setting up a committee, have yet to yield results.
This act has significantly reduced power supply flexibility, decreasing the power volume into Abuja by 250MW.
TCN is actively engaged in emergency repairs at the site, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant against vandalism and urging the public to report any suspicious activities around power equipment. Despite efforts to address the nationwide drop in power supply, challenges persist, with the Minister of Power attributing the issue to gas constraints since December.
