Vandals strike again, disrupting critical power line repairs in Nigeria


The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported another vandalism incident on its Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line, which is under repair from previous damage. 

On November 19, 2024, vandals targeted towers 29 to 31, stealing about one-third of the conductor. 

TCN’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, in a press release, said that local security has been engaged to protect the site and prevent further theft. 

The statement said that a team of TCN engineers, led by Engr. Emmanuel Akpa, General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, has conducted an inspection of the site.

“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,” the statement read partly.

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 report of Channels Television stated. A total of 31 towers were reportedly affected in this incident.

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

TCN engineers from the Benin sub-region, it also added, have initiated repairs to prevent the collapse of the affected towers and to avoid disruption of bulk power supply, the company confirmed.

It said further that these incidents underscore the urgent need to combat the growing problem of vandalism and theft affecting Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

TCN therefore called on the public to support efforts to address these crimes, which it said 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.”

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