The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported yet another brazen act of vandalism on its power infrastructure, resulting in a major power outage across Abuja. The incident occurred near the Millennium Park axis, where vandals removed critical 132kV underground cables, disrupting electricity supply to key parts of the nation’s capital.
Extent of Damage and Impact
According to TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the vandals carted away 40 meters of 1x500mm² XLPE conductors from two 132kV transmission lines. These cables are vital for transporting bulk electricity to the Central Area Transmission Substation, which powers eight feeders supplying the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). The affected areas include Maitama, Wuse, Jabi, Life Camp, Asokoro, Utako, Mabushi, and parts of the Presidential Villa.
This act of sabotage has resulted in over 60% of the power supply to Abuja being disrupted, impacting both residential and critical government infrastructure.
Efforts to Restore Power
TCN engineers have been swiftly deployed to assess the damage and begin repairs. The company assured Abuja residents that every effort is being made to restore power as quickly as possible. However, as of now, no timeline has been provided for the restoration.
In a statement, TCN called on Nigerians to be proactive in safeguarding the nation’s power infrastructure. “We enjoin Nigerians to be vigilant in observing and reporting suspicious activities to security operatives. Protecting our transmission equipment and installations is crucial to national development,” Mbah said.
A Broader Issue: Persistent Vandalism and Power Challenges
This latest incident underscores the systemic challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector. In 2024 alone, the country experienced 12 national grid collapses and the destruction of 128 transmission towers due to sabotage and vandalism. In December 2024, TCN reported a similar attack on the 330kV Shiroro-Katampe transmission line, where components between towers T216 and T218 were stolen, destabilizing the grid further.
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has attributed the recurring power outages not only to grid collapses but also to sabotage and vandalism. To mitigate these challenges, the Federal Government allocated over **N12.4 billion** in the proposed 2025 budget for the insurance of critical assets. This move aims to reduce financial losses and expedite recovery efforts in the event of future incidents.
Call for Collaboration
TCN has reiterated the need for cooperation between security agencies, communities, and stakeholders in the power sector to ensure the protection of vital infrastructure. The company emphasized that addressing these acts of sabotage is crucial to stabilizing and modernizing Nigeria’s energy supply.
Key Highlights
– Incident Location: Millennium Park axis, Abuja.
– Damage: 40 meters of 1x500mm² XLPE conductors removed from two 132kV transmission lines.
– Areas Affected: Maitama, Wuse, Jabi, Life Camp, Asokoro, Utako, Mabushi, and parts of the Presidential Villa.
– Challenges in 2024: 12 grid collapses, 128 transmission towers vandalized.
– Government Action: N12.4 billion proposed for asset insurance in 2025 to mitigate losses.
The recurring vandalism underscores the fragile state of Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and highlights the urgent need for heightened security measures and strategic investments to protect the sector.
