The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported that its Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line, currently under repair due to previous vandalism, was again targeted by criminals on Tuesday. The attack, which affected towers 29 to 31, resulted in the theft of about one-third of the conductor.
In a statement released by TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah on Friday, it was revealed that a team of engineers, led by Emmanuel Akpa, General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, inspected the site. Preliminary findings suggest the incident occurred overnight.
To prevent further theft while repairs are underway, local security has been stationed at Ula Ikata in Ahoada East Local Government Area to protect the site. Additionally, the line will be energized from the Ahoada end as a precautionary measure.
Efforts to replace the stolen 250mm conductor are currently in progress. Despite challenges such as difficult terrain and flooding, the restringing of the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line is about 85% complete, according to the statement.
Earlier in November, vandals also targeted transmission towers in Okada and Ofosu communities, affecting the 330kV Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotosho transmission lines. The attack damaged 31 towers, with critical components stolen, as discovered by TCN linesmen during a routine inspection. Engineers from the Benin Sub-Region have since begun repairs to prevent the collapse of these towers and to avoid disruption to the bulk power supply.
TCN emphasized that these incidents highlight the growing problem of vandalism and theft, which continues to undermine Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
The company called on the public to assist in efforts to combat these crimes, which have significantly hindered the expansion and stability of the national grid.
