Blackout As Vandals Bomb Transmission Line In Nigerian Capital, Abuja, Cut Supply By 250MW

Electricity vandals suspected to be responsible for the attack on the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Tower 70 along the 330KV Gwagwalada-Katampe transmission line in the Federal Capital Territory have escalated their assault on the nation's capital city, Abuja.

The horrific incident  has reduced bulk power supply flexibility and the volume of power into Abuja by 250MW, according to TCN's spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah.

Ndidi said the incident occurred at about 11.32pm on 26th February which forced the company to deploy a patrol team after an attempt at reclosure of power trip at the Gwagwalada Substation failed.
 
She said the tower is presently standing precariously with support of conductors.

"The sad incident occurred on the 26th of February, 2024, at about 11.32 pm. 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 (4) tower footings of Tower 70  were bombed, destroying the tower legs and causing the tower to stand on the ground, supported by conductors."

Mbah disclosed that the company had mobilised to the location for emergency repairs while calling for vigilance on the part of citizens .

"Meanwhile, TCN has mobilised to the site  of the incident and has commenced an emergency  repair of the damaged 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."