TCN Reports Another Vandalism Attack on Lokoja–Gwagwalada Transmission Line
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported a new incident of vandalism targeting its 330kV Lokoja–Gwagwalada transmission line 1, severely impacting bulk power transmission along the line. The attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday, November 9, 2024, marking another setback for the nation’s power infrastructure.
In a statement released by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, the company explained that efforts to re-energize the affected line were thwarted when the line unexpectedly tripped. Following unsuccessful attempts to restore power remotely, a team of TCN linesmen conducted a physical patrol, uncovering extensive damage to towers T306, T307, and T308. Further inspection revealed that the vandals had stolen two spans of aluminium conductor, disrupting the flow of electricity through the critical Lokoja–Gwagwalada route.
This particular transmission line is a double-circuit line, allowing TCN to continue supplying bulk power through line 2 while efforts are underway to replace the stolen materials on line 1. However, this workaround highlights the increased strain on the remaining operational circuit and underscores the urgent need for repairs.
Mbah emphasized the concerning rise in vandalism incidents, which have become a persistent threat to Nigeria’s power infrastructure and the stability of the national grid. The recent attack is one of many that have disrupted power transmission along the Gwagwalada axis, including the Gwagwalada–Kukuwaba–Apo transmission line incident in December 2023 and the Gwagwalada–Katampe line attack in February 2024.
“These acts of vandalism are not isolated,” Mbah stated. “They form part of a worrying trend that continually disrupts Nigeria’s power infrastructure, undermining both the expansion of our national grid and the stability of power supply across the country.” The theft of critical components like aluminium conductors hampers ongoing efforts to enhance electricity distribution and supply consistency, thereby affecting millions of citizens who rely on uninterrupted power.
TCN is currently exploring ways to secure replacement materials and resume normal operations on line 1. However, the company has highlighted that these ongoing attacks not only delay repairs but also increase operational costs, detracting resources from projects aimed at upgrading Nigeria’s power grid.
In response, TCN has once again appealed to the public, especially those residing near power infrastructure, to collaborate with security forces and TCN in preventing vandalism. Mbah urged citizens to recognize that “vandalism of power installations is a disservice to all and severely undermines the nation’s efforts to achieve a stable and resilient transmission system.” TCN also called on local communities to report suspicious activities around transmission towers to authorities, emphasizing that community involvement is vital to safeguarding Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
The repeated acts of vandalism highlight an urgent need for increased security measures and public vigilance around the nation’s power infrastructure.
