The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported the vandalism of its 330 kilovolts (kV) Shiroro-Katampe transmission line, which caused a power outage in the affected area.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, disclosed that critical components of the power conductor between towers T216 and T218 were stolen by vandals late Wednesday night.
According to Mbah, the incident occurred at approximately 11:43 pm and led to an immediate blackout. “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.”
The TCN assured the public that efforts to restore bulk power supply through the affected line are underway, with completion expected soon.
In her statement, Mbah also called on the public to assist in safeguarding the nation’s power infrastructure. “We appeal to the general public to assist in identifying and reporting suspicious activities around power transmission infrastructure.
“Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in helping us to prevent acts of vandalism or apprehend the culprits,” she added.