Massive Power Disruption in Abuja: Vandals Remove Critical 132kV Cables
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported a major incident of infrastructure vandalism in Abuja, leading to a significant power outage in the nation’s capital.
The attack occurred near the Millennium Park axis, where vandals removed critical 132kV underground cables, disrupting electricity supply to key areas of the city.
Details of the Incident
According to a statement issued by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager of Public Affairs at TCN, the vandals stole 40 meters of 1x500mm² XLPE conductors from two 132kV transmission lines. These cables are essential for transmitting bulk electricity to the 132kV Central Area Transmission Substation, which supplies power to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
The AEDC distributes electricity to numerous areas, including:
- Maitama
- Wuse
- Jabi
- Life Camp
- Asokoro
- Utako
- Mabushi
- Parts of the Presidential Villa
The damage has reportedly caused a power supply disruption affecting over 60% of Abuja.
Immediate Response by TCN
Engineers from TCN were swiftly deployed to the site to assess the situation and begin repairs on the vandalized cables. While no exact timeline for the restoration of power has been provided, the company has assured the public that efforts are underway to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
In its statement, TCN appealed to citizens to help safeguard the nation’s power infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.
Broader Implications
This latest incident underscores the growing threat to Nigeria’s energy infrastructure. In 2024, the nation faced:
- 12 national grid collapses
- Destruction of 128 transmission towers
- Vandalism of critical lines, including the 330kV Shiroro-Katampe transmission line
Such events have revealed the fragile state of Nigeria’s power sector and the urgent need for improved security measures.
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, recently highlighted that widespread blackouts are not solely caused by grid failures. Sabotage and vandalism have played a significant role in Nigeria’s ongoing energy crisis.
Government’s Measures
To address these persistent challenges, the Federal Government has allocated N12.42 billion in the proposed 2025 budget for the insurance of sensitive assets. This funding aims to:
- Mitigate losses from vandalism.
- Enable faster recovery from future incidents.
Call to Action
TCN has emphasized the importance of collaboration between security agencies, communities, and stakeholders to protect vital infrastructure.
“We must work together to safeguard our transmission equipment and installations. Protecting critical infrastructure is essential for the nation’s development,” the statement read.
Conclusion
As Abuja grapples with this power outage, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened vigilance and strategic investment in infrastructure security. Citizens are urged to support ongoing efforts to prevent future acts of vandalism and ensure a more stable power supply for all.
For updates on the restoration of power and other breaking news, stay connected to our platform.