Abuja power supply drops by 250 MW as vandals destroy Gwagwalada-Katampe transmission line

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has disclosed that Tower 70 along its 330 kV Gwagwalada-Katampe line has been vandalized.

The company said the incident, which occurred on February 26 at about 11.32 p.m., caused the tower to stand on the ground, supported by conductors.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said attempts by TCN operators to reclose the line were unsuccessful, thereby necessitating a physical inspection of the line.

“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 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 250 MW.

“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 the nearest TCN offices nationwide,” TCN said.

Meanwhile, TCN said it has mobilized 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,” the statement said.