Maitama, Asokoro, others plunged into darkness following 132kV underground cables theft
By Ukpono Ukpong
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a major power outage in parts of Abuja following the vandalization of its 132kV underground cables.
The cables, which transport electricity to the Central Area and surrounding districts, were reportedly damaged by vandals, resulting in significant disruption to power supply.
In a press statement signed by TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the company disclosed that the incident occurred along the Millennium Park axis of Abuja.
The vandals made away with 40 meters of 1x500mm² XLPE conductors from two 132kV transmission lines. These lines supply electricity to the TCN’s Central Area Transmission Substation, which distributes power to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) for onward delivery to customers.
The statement revealed that the vandalism has disrupted over 60% of the power supply to Abuja. Affected areas include Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, Jabi, Life Camp, Utako, and Mabushi, leaving residents and businesses in darkness.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), wishes to inform the public that its 132kV transmission line and underground cables taking power to Central Area and environs in Abuja have been vandalised, causing power outage.
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“The vandalised 132kV underground cable transports bulk electricity to TCN’s 132kV Central Area Transmission Substation, which then supplies power through 8No. distribution feeders to AEDC for onward supply to its customers in Central Area and environs.
“The incident, which was carried out around the Millennium Park axis of Abuja, has affected over 60% of the power supply to Abuja as the vandals carted away 40 meters of 1x500mm² XLPE conductors on the 2 numbers 132kV transmission lines.
“Consequently, areas experiencing power outage include Maitama, Wuse, Jabi, Life Camp, Asokoro, Utako and Mabushi.”
While noting that TCN has already mobilized its engineers to the site to begin repairs on the damaged infrastructure, Mbah assured the public that every effort is being made to restore power as quickly as possible.
“TCN engineers have already been mobilized to the site of the incident to repair the vandalised cables.
“We enjoin Nigerians to be vigilant in observing and reporting suspicious activities to security operatives. We must work together to protect our transmission equipment and installations. This is very crucial to the development of the nation’s power sector.”
