The Transmission Company of Nigeria has reported the vandalization of its Shiroro-Katampe 330kV transmission line for the fifth time since February, with the latest incident occurring around 9 am on Sunday.
The General Manager of TCN, Ndidi Mbah, confirmed the destruction and noted that efforts are underway to mobilize repair works on the affected facility.
In a statement addressing the press, TCN expressed concern over the recent surge in the vandalization of its facilities, terming it as sabotage. Since February, the company has reported five incidents of destruction of transmission lines across the country.
The statement highlighted specific incidents, including the destruction of Tower 70 along the Gwagwalada-Katampe transmission line on February 26, the vandalism of towers 377 and 378 along the Gombe-Damaturu 330kV transmission line on February 23, and the attack on towers 145 to 149 and 201 to 218 along the Owerri-Ahoda 132kV transmission line on February 15. Additionally, on February 1, Tower number 388 along the Jos-Bauchi 132kV single circuit transmission line collapsed due to vandalism.
TCN emphasized that these acts of vandalism are acts of sabotage and called on security operatives and host communities to collaborate in apprehending the perpetrators. The destruction of transmission lines along the Gombe-Damaturu corridor has been linked to insurgents operating in the area.
Despite challenges in the power sector, including weak transmission infrastructure, the federal government’s contract with Siemens Power is seen as a hopeful step toward revitalizing the sector.
