The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has informed the public that one of its transmission towers, specifically tower number 388 along the Jos-Bauchi 132kV Single Circuit transmission line, was intentionally damaged, leading to its collapse.
This unfortunate incident, believed to have happened on February 1, 2024, around 10:20 PM, caused a power outage in Yobe and Borno States.
In response to a disruption in Jos, Plateau State, and considering previous issues with line disruptions in that area, Engr. Tijjani Ahmadu, the General Manager of Transmission in the Bauchi Region, called on the police anti-bomb squad and the Department of State Services (DSS) to accompany TCN’s line crew.
Their task was to investigate the transmission line and determine the cause of the disruption.
Upon examination, the team discovered evidence of detonated explosives near the tower legs, indicating deliberate sabotage by vandals. This explosion led to the collapse of the tower.
Interestingly, this incident bears a striking resemblance to a similar occurrence on December 21, 2023, when towers T372 and T373 along the Gombe-Damaturu 330kV Single Circuit transmission line were targeted.
Sadly, that event resulted in the loss of a security operative’s life and impacted power supply in Yobe and Borno States. The line and towers from the December incident were fully reconstructed and operational by February 2, 2024.
TCN is taking swift action by engaging one of its contractors on an emergency basis to quickly mobilize to the site of the incident. Their task is to commence the reconstruction and restringing of the affected transmission line and tower.
While TCN is committed to rehabilitating and expanding the nation’s power transmission network, ensuring a consistent flow of electricity, it is essential to highlight the ongoing problem of vandalism and theft of power equipment.
These acts not only cause disruptions but also divert funds earmarked for expanding the power grid to urgently repair damaged infrastructure and prevent a collapse of the power grid. This continuous setback hampers the progress of the transmission system expansion plan.
