On Wednesday, the Transmission Company of Nigeria reported the vandalization of Tower 70 along its 330kV Gwagwalada-Katampe line, causing it to be dangerously grounded.
The incident, which occurred on February 26, 2024, at 11:32 pm, resulted in the tripping of the Gwagwalada-Katampe Transmission line, prompting a physical patrol.During the patrol, the TCN team discovered that the footings of Tower 70 were vandalized, causing the tower to be supported by conductors on the ground.
The company emphasized the importance of vigilance against vandalism of power equipment and urged reporting any suspicious activities around such equipment to security operatives or the nearest TCN offices nationwide.
This incident follows a similar occurrence in December when the Gwagwalada-Kukwaba-Apo 132KV Transmission Line 1 in the Abuja axis was attacked by suspected vandals. The TCN stated that the incident had reduced bulk power supply flexibility into Abuja by 250MW.
TCN has mobilized to the site of the recent incident and initiated emergency repairs on the damaged tower and associated equipment. The transmission line was reportedly vandalized between Tower 23 and Tower 25, suspected to have occurred around 1 am on Sunday, prompting an investigation by TCN linesmen.
Ndidi Mbah, the TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, released a statement disclosing the vandalized portion of the line route.
