Abuja's electricity supply diminishes by 250MW due to vandalism
On Wednesday, the Transmission Company of Nigeria reported that Tower 70 along its 330kV Gwagwalada-Katampe line had been vandalized, resulting in a dangerous grounding. The incident occurred on February 26, 2024, around 11:32 pm, as stated by the company.
During this time, the Gwagwalada-Katampe Transmission line tripped at the Gwagwalada Transmission Substation. Despite unsuccessful reclosure attempts by TCN Operators, a physical patrol of the line was deemed necessary. The TCN lines and patrol team discovered that the footings of Tower 70 had been vandalized, causing the tower legs to be destroyed and the tower to rest on the ground, supported by conductors.
As a consequence, the incident has significantly impacted the flexibility of bulk power supply and reduced the volume of power into Abuja by 250MW, according to the company's statement.
Meanwhile, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has mobilized to the site of the incident and initiated an emergency repair of the compromised tower and its associated equipment.
We emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant in the battle against power equipment vandalism. It is crucial to report any suspicious activities around power equipment to security personnel or the nearest TCN offices across the country," stated TCN.
In December of the previous year, TCN reported an attack on its Gwagwalada-Kukwaba-Apo 132KV Transmission Line 1 in the Abuja region, believed to be carried out by suspected vandals. (source: https://punchng.com/vandals-attack-abuja-transmission-line-says-tcn/)
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) revealed this information through a press release, specifying that the transmission line was "vandalized between Tower 23 and Tower 25."
According to the statement, the vandalism of the line was suspected to have occurred around 1 am on Sunday, leading to the interruption of bulk power supply on the line. This prompted an early morning investigation by TCN linesmen.
The press release, issued by Ndidi Mbah, TCN's General Manager of Public Affairs, conveyed that the investigation uncovered a vandalized section of the line route between Tower 23 and Tower 25.
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