Vandals have damaged two towers along the essential 330kV Shiroro–Kaduna transmission lines 1 and 2, plunging parts of Kano and Kaduna into darkness.
On Friday, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported that towers T133 and T136 sustained extensive damage, leading to a disruption in electricity supply to several areas in the North-West, including Kaduna and Kano.
The issue was first identified when one of the transmission lines tripped, soon followed by the second line.
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This prompted TCN to mobilize local vigilante groups to enhance patrols in the affected region.
According to TCN’s Shiroro Regional Office, the cables were found to be severely compromised at multiple points.
“Investigations reveal that this is not a case of routine damage but a deliberate act of vandalism,” said TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah. “We are working closely with security operatives to secure the area, which has been identified as vulnerable to banditry, posing risks to our infrastructure and personnel.”
In response to the emergency, TCN has dispatched a newly acquired emergency restoration system to the site to stabilize the situation.
Additionally, plans are underway for the reconstruction of the damaged towers to fully restore the affected lines.
“Our engineers have swiftly implemented a temporary solution to ensure continued electricity supply,” Mbah added. “We are currently using the 330kV Kaduna–Jos transmission line to deliver bulk power to the Kaduna and Kano regions as an interim measure.”
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An aerial survey was conducted to evaluate the extent of the damage and to bolster security measures around the affected transmission lines. This assessment was carried out in collaboration with security operatives to identify any additional vulnerabilities in the area.
The Shiroro–Kaduna transmission lines are vital to Nigeria’s power supply, with each line capable of carrying 600MW of electricity to the North-West. The loss of these lines has severely affected the power distribution network.
“We are appealing to communities living near transmission infrastructure to assist in safeguarding these national assets,” said TCN Managing Director Sule Abdulaziz. “The vandalism of power installations affects everyone, and ensuring their security is a collective responsibility.”
Efforts to restore the towers are underway, with TCN assuring the public of its commitment to returning to normalcy as swiftly as possible. In the meantime, heightened patrols and surveillance will continue to prevent further incidents.
Authorities are also investigating the incident to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable, as the attack poses a risk of worsening the already strained electricity situation in the region.
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