Blackout Hits Kano, Kaduna As TCN Battles Power Lines Vandalism
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported the vandalism of two towers along its 330kV Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines, resulting in power outages affecting parts of Kano and Kaduna states.
In a statement signed by TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the company confirmed that the damage occurred on both transmission lines, with the first line tripping before the second, as restoration efforts were still underway.
Trek Africa Newspaper reports that the report came from TCN’s Shiroro Regional office on Friday, leading to the deployment of immediate measures to mitigate the impact.
To address the situation, TCN stated that it is preparing to deploy its newly procured “emergency restoration system” to the site. This system will serve as a temporary solution until the damaged towers are fully reconstructed.
The statement noted, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria announces that two towers along its 330kV Shiroro–Kaduna transmission lines one and two have been vandalised, damaging sections of both transmission lines.
According to reports from the Shiroro Regional office of TCN, the 330kV transmission line one tripped first, followed shortly by the second, as efforts were ongoing to reclose the first line. This prompted the urgent mobilization of local vigilantes to patrol the lines.”
Further investigation revealed significant damage to towers T133 and T136, with cables badly damaged in several locations.
In response, TCN has initiated an aerial survey, working in conjunction with security agencies, due to the area’s vulnerability to banditry, which poses an ongoing threat to TCN’s installations and personnel.
Efforts to restore the damaged lines are currently underway, with the company emphasizing the need for enhanced security around critical infrastructure in the region to prevent future incidents.
