Three weeks after vandalism, TCN begins repairs of Abuja transmission line

Three weeks after vandals damaged an underground transmission line near Millennium Park in Abuja, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced that repair work is currently underway at the site to restore the damaged infrastructure.

TCN’s Public Affairs Manager, Ndidi Mbah said on Tuesday, February 11, that efforts are currently focused on replacing the damaged cable and reconnecting it to the transmission network to restore bulk power supply, Persecondnews reports.

The 132-kilovolt underground cable stolen on January 17, 2025, which supplied bulk electricity to the 132kV Central Area Transmission Substation, caused a significant power disruption, affecting parts of the Presidential Villa and about 60% of the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the company, while restoration work is actively underway to fully revive the line, top priority is given to minimizing disruptions to power supply in the affected areas.

The statement reads: “The Transmission Company of Nigeria informs the public that restoration work is actively ongoing on the vandalised underground transmission line near Millennium Park, Abuja.

“Efforts are focused on replacing the damaged cable and reconnecting it to the transmission network to restore bulk power supply through the line.

“Our engineers, in collaboration with expert cable jointers, are working tirelessly to complete the repairs as quickly as possible and ensure the restoration of normal bulk power supply.

“We recognize the critical importance of maintaining a stable and reliable power supply, particularly in the metropolis.

“TCN remains committed to restoring normal bulk power transmission through the line to its substation to enable Abuja Electricity Distribution Company offtake the same for its customers.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work diligently to complete the cable replacement and connection that will ensure bulk power restoration through this transmission line.”

Recurring attacks on Nigeria’s power lines have plunged the country into darkness and incurred significant repair costs for the government.

Persecondnews recalls that the federal government had in 2024 announced that it spent N8.8 billion to repair 128 electricity towers damaged by vandals nationwide.

This repair work took place between January 20 and November 28.

Also, according to data released by the Federal Ministry of Power in September 2024, vandals destroyed 63 power transmission towers across Nigeria between January and August 2024, severely impacting the country’s electricity supply.

The majority of the damage occurred in the northern regions, with reports of vandalism also emerging from the southern and eastern parts of the country.

The destruction was extensive, with 17 towers collapsing completely, and components such as conductors, underground cables, and braces being stolen from the remaining towers.

Among the notable incidents are: Tower 388 on the 132kV Jos-Bauchi line in Bauchi/Yelwa and Gwalameji collapsed.

Similarly, Towers 377 and 378 on the 330kV Gombe-Damaturu line along Bauchi/Gombe and Damaturu also collapsed.

Additional collapses were reported on the 330kV Damaturu-Maiduguri line, including Towers 125, 126, 193, 194, and 195.

In the Bauchi-Gombe area, 450, 452, 453, and 455 on the 132kV line were vandalised, and Tower 70 on the 330kV Gwagwalada-Katampe line in Abuja saw four of its footings destroyed.

Other targeted areas included Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, and Benin, with multiple towers damaged or destroyed in these regions.