Vandalism of Shiroro-Katampe Transmission Line Leaves Parts of Abuja in Darkness

The 330-kilovolt Shiroro-Katampe Transmission Line was vandalized again, plunging parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, into complete darkness.

This was revealed in a statement released Thursday evening by Ndidi Mbah, the spokesperson for the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). She disclosed that the incident, which disrupted the grid's line supply, occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at approximately 11:43 p.m.

According to Mbah, a TCN patrol team dispatched from the Abuja Regional Office discovered that vandals had stolen a portion of the conductor between towers T216 and T218. She stated, “The TCN lines maintenance crew has since mobilized to the site and is working assiduously to replace the vandalized 330kV power conductor. Restoration of bulk power supply through the affected line is expected soon.”

Mbah noted that the maintenance team has been deployed, but she did not specify the exact timeline for restoration.

Prior to this statement, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company issued two warnings about power outages affecting several locations in the nation's capital. Impacted areas include:

• Public Facilities: Army War College, Reiz, New Chelsea Hotel, NBS, Lozumba Complex, UTC, Gidan Isah, Area 10, Ecumenical Centre, Bank of Industry, and Bank of Agriculture.
• Residential Areas: Olufemi and Laih Street, Katsina Ala, Kila Close, Rudolf Close, La Street, Rima Street, Ekororo Street, Sand Link Street, and surrounding areas.

This is not the first incident involving this transmission line. The Shiroro-Kaduna line was vandalized on March 10, 2024, and similar acts of vandalism occurred five times between February and March of this year.

Authorities are working to prevent future occurrences and restore power to the affected areas swiftly.