Vandals have knocked down the Shiroro-Katampe 330kV transmission line, making the fifth of such incident within February and March of this year, resulting in disruption of power transmission.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, described it as one of its critical infrastructures.
She disclosed that at approximately 9am Sunday morning, the Shiroro-Katampe transmission line experienced a trip.
“Following initial investigations, TCN engineers attempted to restore operation but were unsuccessful. Subsequently, efforts were made to identify the fault location. Hence, linesmen were dispatched to physically patrol the suspected area.
“During the fault tracing process, vigilante team leaders in the vicinity notified TCN linesmen of vandalism along the Shiroro-Katampe transmission line. TCN personnel confirmed the vandalisation of the 330kV Shiroro-Katampe transmission line 1, from Towers 244 to 245, and the conductors stolen.
“TCN is currently mobilizing for conductor replacement, pending completion of security operations at the site. Nevertheless, the second line remains fully operational, transmitting at full capacity to Abuja, in conjunction with the Gwagwalada 330kV line serving the Kukwaba-Apo axis”, she stated .
Mbah assured that the wheeling capacity of TCN towards Abuja and environs would be enhanced by the Lokoja – Gwagwalada 330kV transmission line.
According to her, “This incident adds to a series of vandalism incidents recorded by TCN in February 2024, including the destruction of Tower 70 along the Gwagwalada-Katampe transmission line on February 26, 2024.
“Other incidents include the vandalism of towers 377 and 378 along the Gombe-Damaturu 330kV transmission line on February 23, 2024, and the attack on towers 145 to 149 and 201 to 218 along the Owerri-Ahoda 132kV transmission line on February 15, 2024. Additionally, on February 1, 2024, Tower number 388 along the Jos-Bauchi 132kV single circuit transmission line collapsed due to vandalism.”
Mbah stressed that these acts of sabotage are unacceptable, adding that the TCN urged relevant security agencies and host communities to collaborate in apprehending the perpetrators.
She said that Protection of the nation’s transmission infrastructure is paramount, and collective efforts are required to curb these incidents.
TCN calls upon all Nigerians to assist in reporting such acts of vandalism. Electricity infrastructure is a national asset, and safeguarding it is a collective responsibility.
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