Blackout Hits Abuja As Vandals Attack TCN Transmission Lines, Underground Cables
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported another attack on its transmission lines, which has resulted in widespread power outages in parts of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, when vandals targeted the 132kV transmission line and underground cables that deliver bulk power to the 132kV Central Area Transmission Substation in Katampe, a central area of Abuja.
According to Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, the General Manager of Public Affairs at TCN, the attack disrupted the power supply to major parts of the capital, including Maitama, Wuse, Garki, Jabi, Life Camp, Asokoro, Utako, Mabushi, and even parts of the Presidential Villa.
The TCN spokesperson explained that the vandals managed to steal 40 meters of 1x500mm XLPE conductor from two of the 132kV transmission lines. The destruction affected eight distribution feeders feeding power to the Central Area, leading to a loss of over 60 percent of power supply to Abuja.
Vandalism Concerns
Mbah condemned the continuous attacks on the nation’s power infrastructure, which have caused significant disruptions in the country’s electricity supply. She noted that the vandals likely carried out the attack around Millennium Park, a well-known area in Abuja, and appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and protect TCN’s transmission facilities.
In response to the incident, TCN has dispatched a team of engineers to the site to carry out repairs and restore power to the affected areas as quickly as possible.
As the issue of vandalism persists, TCN is urging Nigerians to cooperate in safeguarding critical infrastructure to prevent further disruptions to power supply across the country.
