Vandals Strike Shiroro-Katampe Transmission Line, Plunge Parts of FCT Into Darkness

Suspected vandals have again thrown some parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) into darkness, striking the Shiroro-Katampe transmission line, a key infrastructure that supplies power to some axes in the capital city.

The vandals have recently increased their attacks on electricity assets belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in recent times, despite the collaboration between the ministry of power and the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to curb the renewed onslaught.

However, THISDAY learnt on Friday that power had been restored in virtually all the affected parts of the capital city.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) regrets to announce that its 330kV Shiroro – Katampe transmission line was vandalised on Wednesday,  December 18, 2024. At approximately 11:43 pm, the 330kV Shiroro-Katampe circuit lost supply on the grid. A trial reclosure was attempted, but the line tripped again immediately,” the company said.

In a statement in Abuja signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the TCN noted that it had since mobilised its engineers to fix the damage.

“A TCN lines patrol team was  dispatched from the Abuja regional office of TCN to investigate the cause of the fault. The team discovered that vandals had stolen part of the conductor between towers T216 and T218.

“The TCN lines maintenance crew has since mobilised to the site and is working assiduously  to replace the vandalised 330kV power conductor. Restoration of bulk power supply through the affected line is expected soon.

“We appeal to the general public to assist in identifying and reporting suspicious activities around power transmission infrastructure. Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in helping us to prevent acts of vandalism or apprehend the culprits,” Mbah advised.

Emmanuel Addeh

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