ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – Suspected electricity vandals have destroyed the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Tower 70 along the 330kV Gwagwalada-Katampe Transmission Line in Abuja.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.
Mbah noted that the incident occurred at about 11:32 p.m. on Monday, February 26, saying: “At the said time, the Gwagwalada-Katampe Transmission line 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 vandalised, destroying the tower legs and causing the tower to stand on the ground, supported by conductors.
“The incident has reduced bulk power supply flexibility and the volume of power into Abuja by 250MW.”
She added that the TCN had mobilised to the scene of the incident and had commenced an emergency repair of the damaged transmission tower and its associated equipment.
“We reiterate the need for vigilance in the fight against vandalism of power equipment. It is important that we report suspicious movements around all power equipment to security operatives or to the nearest TCN offices nationwide,” Mbah said.