Blackout Hits Abuja as Vandals Target Shiroro-Katampe Power Line

Some parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) experienced a power outage on Sunday as saboteurs targeted the Shiroro-Katampe 330kV transmission line. This incident marks the fifth act of vandalism within February and March, according to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

The disruption occurred at 9 am on Sunday, with TCN engineers attempting to restore operations without success, as stated by TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah. Initial investigations identified the fault location, prompting linesmen to patrol the suspected area physically.

During the fault tracing process, vigilante team leaders in the vicinity notified TCN linesmen of vandalism along the Shiroro-Katampe transmission line. TCN personnel confirmed the vandalization of the 330kV Shiroro-Katampe transmission line 1, from Towers 244 to 245, with conductors stolen.

TCN is actively mobilizing for conductor replacement, pending the completion of security operations at the site. Nevertheless, the second line remains fully operational in conjunction with the Gwagwalada 330kV line, serving the Kukwaba-Apo axis.

Mbah emphasized that the wheeling capacity of TCN towards Abuja and environs would be enhanced by the Lokoja-Gwagwalada 330kV transmission line. Despite the challenges, TCN is working tirelessly to minimize the adverse effects of these acts of sabotage on bulk power supply to Abuja and its environs.

This incident adds to a series of vandalism cases recorded by TCN in February 2024, including the destruction of Tower 70 along the Gwagwalada-Katampe transmission line on February 26, 2024, vandalism of towers 377 and 378 along the Gombe-Damaturu 330kV transmission line on February 23, 2024, and the attack on towers 145 to 149 and 201 to 218 along the Owerri-Ahoda 132kV transmission line on February 15, 2024.

Additionally, on February 1, 2024, Tower number 388 along the Jos-Bauchi 132kV single circuit transmission line collapsed due to vandalism.

TCN strongly condemns these acts of sabotage and calls upon relevant security agencies and host communities to collaborate in apprehending the perpetrators. Protection of the nation’s transmission infrastructure is paramount, and collaborative efforts are required to curb these incidents. TCN urges all Nigerians to assist in reporting acts of vandalism, emphasizing that electricity infrastructure is a national asset and safeguarding it is a collective responsibility.