- The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reports another vandalism attack on its Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line, which delayed repairs and caused significant disruption.
- TCN has deployed local security to the affected area and is working to replace the stolen conductor amidst increasing concerns over vandalism in the power sector.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported another act of vandalism on its Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV transmission line, further complicating ongoing repair efforts. The latest incident, which occurred on November 19, targeted towers 29 to 31. Vandals stole approximately one-third of the conductor, delaying repairs that were already 85% complete.
TCN’s General Manager for Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, confirmed the attack in a statement, stating that the damage likely occurred overnight. A team led by Mr Emmanuel Akpa, General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, inspected the site and found that the theft had disrupted the repair work, which was progressing despite challenging terrain and flooding.
In response to the theft, TCN has deployed local security to the affected area in Ula Ikata, Ahoada East Local Government Area, and plans to energise the line from the Ahoada end as a preventive measure. Efforts are underway to replace the stolen 250mm conductor, although the problematic terrain and flooding remain obstacles.
Mbah highlighted the growing issue of vandalism, stressing that such incidents hinder the expansion and stability of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. She called on the public, security personnel, and local communities to remain vigilant and protect power installations from further theft.
This latest attack comes amid similar incidents affecting Nigeria’s power transmission network. Earlier in November, TCN reported vandalism on transmission towers in Okada and Ofosu, which led to the theft of critical components from the 330kV Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotosho lines. In addition, TCN faced challenges in the northeast region, with tower collapses and vandalism reported along the Jos-Gombe and Makurdi-Jos lines.
TCN continues to face significant disruptions caused by these criminal activities. According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), vandalism accounted for 13% of power-related accidents between Q1 and Q3 of 2023, highlighting the urgent need for more robust security measures to protect the nation’s power infrastructure.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported another act of vandalism on its Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV transmission line, further complicating ongoing repair efforts. The latest incident, which occurred on November 19, targeted towers 29 to 31. Vandals stole approximately one-third of the conductor, delaying repairs that were already 85% complete.
TCN’s General Manager for Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, confirmed the attack in a statement, stating that the damage likely occurred overnight. A team led by Mr Emmanuel Akpa, General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, inspected the site and found that the theft had disrupted the repair work, which was progressing despite challenging terrain and flooding.
In response to the theft, TCN has deployed local security to the affected area in Ula Ikata, Ahoada East Local Government Area, and plans to energise the line from the Ahoada end as a preventive measure. Efforts are underway to replace the stolen 250mm conductor, although the problematic terrain and flooding remain obstacles.
Mbah highlighted the growing issue of vandalism, stressing that such incidents hinder the expansion and stability of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. She called on the public, security personnel, and local communities to remain vigilant and protect power installations from further theft.
This latest attack comes amid similar incidents affecting Nigeria’s power transmission network. Earlier in November, TCN reported vandalism on transmission towers in Okada and Ofosu, which led to the theft of critical components from the 330kV Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotosho lines. In addition, TCN faced challenges in the northeast region, with tower collapses and vandalism reported along the Jos-Gombe and Makurdi-Jos lines.
TCN continues to face significant disruptions caused by these criminal activities. According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), vandalism accounted for 13% of power-related accidents between Q1 and Q3 of 2023, highlighting the urgent need for more robust security measures to protect the nation’s power infrastructure.