Blackout Hits Parts of Kano and Kaduna as Vandals Destroy Power Transmission Towers
Parts of Kano and Kaduna states have been plunged into darkness following the destruction of two transmission towers belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The incident, which involved towers T133 and T136 along the 330-kilovolt Shiroro-Kaduna lines 1 and 2, was confirmed in a statement by TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah on Friday.
Mbah revealed that the towers were damaged by vandals, severely affecting power transmission to the North West region. In response, TCN is preparing to deploy its newly acquired Emergency Restoration System (ERS) to the site to temporarily restore power pending the full reconstruction of the towers.
“Interim measures have been put in place to restore bulk power supply to the region,” Mbah said, adding that the towers were first discovered damaged during patrols by local vigilantes after a transmission line tripped.
TCN engineers are working on a temporary solution, using the 330kV Kaduna–Jos transmission line to supply power to affected areas in the interim. Mbah emphasized the importance of the Shiroro-Kaduna lines, each capable of carrying 600MW of electricity, which serve as crucial infrastructure for delivering power to the region.
The statement also noted that security operatives have been involved in an aerial survey of the area, given its vulnerability to banditry, which poses a threat to both TCN installations and personnel.
This disruption comes just days after a nationwide blackout caused by a collapse of the national grid, further compounding electricity challenges in the region. TCN has assured residents that efforts are underway to restore normal power transmission as quickly as possible.
Vandalism of critical infrastructure like transmission lines continues to present major hurdles for Nigeria’s power sector, with widespread effects on electricity supply and regional economies.
