TheCable

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says its 330 kilovolts (kV) Gwagwalada-Katampe transmission line has been destroyed by vandals, thereby reducing power by 250 megawatts (MW) in Abuja.

Ndidi Mbah, general manager, public affairs at TCN disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Mbah said the incident which occurred on Monday affected tower 70.

A transmission line was destroyed at the same unit two months ago.

On December 11, 2023, the Gwagwalada-Kukwaba-Apo 132KV transmission line 1 was vandalised between towers 23 and tower 25.

The incessant vandalism comes amid concerns of low power supply and generation.

“Bulk power supply flexibility and volume of power into Abuja has reduced by 250MW following the destruction of tower 70 on the TCN’s 330kV Gwagwalada-Katampe Transmission line in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),” the statement reads.

“The incident occurred on Monday at about 11.32 pm. At the said time of the incident, the Gwagwalada-Katampe transmission line had tripped at Gwagwalada Transmission Substation and trial reclosure by TCN operators failed, necessitating a physical patrol of the line.

“The TCN lines and patrol team discovered that the four tower footings of tower 70 were destroyed, causing the tower to stand on the ground, supported by conductors.”

Mbash said the TCN had mobilised to the site of the incident and had commenced an emergency repair of the damaged tower and its associated equipment.

She also urged residents to be vigilant in the fight against vandalism of power equipment and report suspicious movements around all power equipment to security operatives or the nearest TCN offices nationwide.

Vandals, on February 23, 2024, destroyed two transmission towers along the Gombe-Damaturu 330KV line, leading to a drop in power supply by 5 megawatts (MW) in Gombe.