TCN deploys vigilantes as vandals attack transmission line

Again, vandals have attacked and caused significant disruption to the ongoing repair works on the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line, the Transmission Company of Nigeria has reported.

The fresh attacks, which occurred on November 19, 2024, affected Towers 29 to 31 and resulted in the theft of approximately one-third of the conductor.

The latest incident is the third act of vandalism on the same transmission line in four months.

The TCN General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, who announced the development through a statement on Friday in Abuja, called on the public to support efforts by the company to address the criminal activities targeting power infrastructure.

The statement read, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria regrets to report that its Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line, which is currently under repair due to previous vandalism, was again targeted by vandals on November 19, 2024.

“The attack, which affected towers 29 to 31, resulted in the theft of approximately one-third of the conductor.”

The company further stated that it had started repairs after an inspection conducted by the General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, Emmanuel Akpa, to ascertain the level of damage.

It also said local vigilantes had been engaged at Ula Ikata in Ahoada East Local Government Area to secure the site until repairs were completed.

The statement read, “The team of TCN engineers led by the General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, Emmanuel Akpa, has inspected the site. Preliminary findings indicate that the incident occurred at night.

“In an attempt to prevent further theft while repair arrangements are being made, local security has been engaged at Ula Ikata in Ahoada East LG to secure the site until repairs are completed. Additionally, the line will be energised from the Ahoada end as a preventive measure.

“Efforts to replace the stolen 250mm conductor are currently underway. Despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and flooding, the restringing of the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line is approximately 85 per cent complete.”

Earlier in November, vandals also attacked transmission towers in the Okada and Ofosu communities along the 330kV Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotosho transmission lines. A total of 31 towers were affected.