Vandals targeted a 132kV transmission line near Nigeria’s Presidential Villa, stealing cables and causing widespread power outages in Abuja. Areas affected include Maitama, Wuse, and Asokoro. TCN engineers are working to restore electricity as authorities emphasize the need for stronger measures to safeguard critical infrastructure against theft and sabotage.
The Presidential Villa in Abuja was plunged into darkness after vandals targeted critical power infrastructure. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed that a 132kV transmission line and underground cables near Millennium Park were damaged, disrupting electricity in central parts of the Federal Capital Territory, including Maitama, Wuse, Jabi, and parts of the Villa.
According to TCN General Manager Ndidi Mba, the vandals stole approximately 40 meters of high-capacity XLPE conductors, essential for bulk electricity transmission to the Central Area substation. This substation supplies power to multiple areas through eight distribution feeders managed by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, expressed concern over the growing trend of cable theft, highlighting its impact on national security and economic activities. TCN engineers have been deployed to repair the damage and restore power to the affected areas.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of Nigeria’s power infrastructure, with increasing thefts posing challenges to consistent electricity supply. Authorities have called for heightened security measures to protect critical assets and ensure uninterrupted power delivery.
Affected residents, including those in Lifecamp, Asokoro, and Utako, await restoration while the government evaluates long-term solutions to curb vandalism.
