Vandals Strike: Repairs on transmission lines disrupted

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported a vandalism attack on its ongoing repair works along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line, as well as the theft of tower components from the Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotosho 330kV transmission lines.

Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, revealed that the Ahoada-Yenagoa line, already under repair following previous vandalism, was targeted again on November 19, 2024.

In a statement released on Friday, Mbah noted that the attack impacted towers 29 to 31 and resulted in the theft of about one-third of the conductor.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the incident occurred at night. In an attempt to prevent further theft while repair arrangements are being made, local security has been engaged at Ula Ikata in Ahoada East LGA to secure the site until repairs are completed. Additionally, the line will be energized from the Ahoada end as a preventive measure.

“Efforts to replace the stolen 250mm conductor are currently underway. Despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and flooding, the restringing of the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line is approximately 85% complete.

“Earlier in November, vandals also attacked transmission towers in the Okada and Ofosu Communities along the 330kV Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotosho transmission lines. A total of 31 towers were affected in this incident.

“The vandalized towers which suffered significant damage, with critical components removed, were discovered by TCN linesmen during a routine patrol.

“TCN engineers from the Benin Sub-Region have initiated repairs to prevent the collapse of the affected towers and to avoid disruption of bulk power supply.

“These incidents underscore the urgent need to combat the growing problem of vandalism and theft affecting Nigeria’s power infrastructure. TCN calls on the public to support efforts to address these crimes, which have significantly hampered the expansion and stability of the national grid.

“As TCN intensifies its efforts to protect installations, we appeal to security operatives and local communities to be more vigilant in safeguarding power infrastructure in their areas,” it read.