Suspected vandals have once again plunged parts of the Federal Capital Territory into darkness by targeting the Shiroro-Katampe transmission line, a vital infrastructure supplying power to several areas in the capital city.
Vandalism on electricity assets owned by the Transmission Company of Nigeria has surged recently, despite efforts by the Ministry of Power and the Office of the National Security Adviser to curb the renewed attacks.
However, it was reported on Friday that power had been restored to almost all the affected areas of the capital city.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) regrets to announce that its 330kV Shiroro – Katampe transmission line was vandalised on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. At approximately 11:43 pm, the 330kV Shiroro-Katampe circuit lost supply on the grid. A trial reclosure was attempted, but the line tripped again immediately,” the company said.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the TCN confirmed that its engineers had been mobilized to repair the damage.
““A TCN lines patrol team was dispatched from the Abuja regional office of TCN to investigate the cause of the fault. The team discovered that vandals had stolen part of the conductor between towers T216 and T218.
“The TCN lines maintenance crew has since mobilised to the site and is working assiduously to replace the vandalised 330kV power conductor. Restoration of bulk power supply through the affected line is expected soon.
“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,” Mbah stated.
