The Transmission Company of Nigeria has reported another attack by vandals on its Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV power line, delaying ongoing repairs caused by a previous act of vandalism.
In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said the latest incident occurred on Tuesday and affected transmission towers 29 to 31. Approximately one-third of the power line’s conductor was stolen during the attack.
Mbah explained that TCN engineers, led by Emmanuel Akpa, the General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, inspected the damaged site. “Preliminary findings indicate the theft happened at night,” she said.
To protect the site, TCN has hired local security in Ula Ikata, Ahoada East Local Government Area, and has energised the line from the Ahoada end as a precaution.
“Efforts to replace the stolen 250mm conductor are underway, despite challenges caused by difficult terrain and flooding. The restringing of the Ahoada-Yenagoa line is about 85 percent complete,” Mbah added.
Earlier in November, vandals attacked transmission towers in Okada and Ofosu Communities, targeting the 330kV Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotosho transmission lines. According to Mbah, 31 towers were affected in that attack.
“Critical components were removed, and significant damage was done. These acts of vandalism were discovered during routine patrols by TCN linesmen,” she said.
TCN engineers from the Benin Sub-Region had started repairs to prevent the collapse of the affected towers and to maintain the bulk power supply.
“These incidents highlight the urgent need to address the rising cases of vandalism and theft affecting Nigeria’s power infrastructure,” Mbah stressed.
She urged the public, security agencies, and local communities to remain vigilant and support efforts to protect critical power installations.
“Such crimes severely hamper the stability and expansion of the national grid,” she concluded.
