The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported a fresh case of infrastructure vandalism, with three transmission towers damaged on the 330kV Lokoja-Gwagwalada power line. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has disrupted the flow of electricity through this critical route.
According to a statement released by TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah on Sunday, the affected towers—T306, T307, and T308—were severely damaged, cutting off the power supply along the line. TCN engineers attempted to restore the line early on Saturday, but it tripped and could not be re-energized. Following a thorough inspection, TCN patrol teams found that vandals had stolen two spans of aluminum conductors, further complicating repairs.
“Efforts are underway to procure replacement conductors, and meanwhile, power is being supplied through an alternate line to maintain service as much as possible,” Mbah stated.
This latest incident adds to a troubling pattern of vandalism affecting Nigeria’s power grid. TCN highlighted previous attacks, including recent incidents on the Gwagwalada-Kukuwaba-Apo line and the Gwagwalada-Katampe line, as part of an ongoing challenge to maintain stable power delivery nationwide.
“These recurring incidents are a serious setback for national efforts to improve electricity access,” said Mbah. TCN warned that repeated acts of vandalism continue to hinder the company’s ability to restore services promptly and have weakened the national grid’s reliability.
TCN has called on both law enforcement agencies and local communities to assist in identifying and stopping those responsible for these acts of sabotage. The company also urged the public to support initiatives aimed at protecting power infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in preserving these essential resources.
Persistent vandalism has led to extended power outages in several Nigerian states, sometimes lasting weeks or months, as the company struggles to repair and replace damaged infrastructure. TCN hopes that increased community involvement and stricter security measures will help prevent future incidents and support the country’s energy security and development.
