Blackout looms in Kano, Kaduna as vandals destroy 330kV transmission towers
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu. On October 19, 2024
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced that two towers along its 330kV Shiroro–Kaduna transmission lines one and two have been vandalized, damaging parts of both transmission lines.
Reports from the Shiroro Regional Office indicate that the first transmission line tripped, followed closely by the second, necessitating the immediate mobilization of local vigilantes for patrols.
Two damaged towers, T133 and T136, were discovered, with their cables severely compromised at multiple points.
To address the situation, TCN has arranged for the deployment of a newly procured “emergency restoration system” to the site while plans are underway for the reconstruction of the damaged towers.
An aerial survey has also been conducted in collaboration with security operatives, as the area has been identified as vulnerable to banditry, which poses a significant threat to both TCN installations and personnel.
In the interim, TCN says its engineers have implemented a temporary solution to supply bulk power to the Kaduna and Kano regions via the 330kV Kaduna–Jos transm ission line.
The vandalized Shiroro–Kaduna 330kV lines 1 and 2 are crucial for transmitting bulk power to parts of the Northwest, with each line capable of carrying 600MW.
