The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported another attack on its 330kV Shiroro-Katampe transmission line.
TCN General Manager Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, revealed that the vandalism occurred on December 18 at approximately 11:43 p.m., resulting in a loss of supply on the grid.
The company attempted a trial reclosure, but the line immediately tripped again.
“The TCN lines patrol team was dispatched from the Abuja regional office to investigate the cause of the fault,” Ms Mbah said. “The team discovered that vandals had stolen part of the conductor between towers T216 and T218.”
The attack represents a continuing challenge for Nigeria’s power sector, as this same transmission line has been targeted multiple times in recent months.
In March alone, TCN reported that the Shiroro-Katampe 330 Kilo Volt transmission line had been vandalized five times between February and March.
TCN’s maintenance crew has mobilized to the site and is working to replace the vandalized power conductor.
The company expects to restore bulk power supply through the affected line soon.
“We appeal to the general public to assist in identifying and reporting suspicious activities around power transmission infrastructure,” Ms Mbah stated. “Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in helping us to prevent acts of vandalism or apprehend the culprits.”
