By Milcah Tanimu
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported significant damage to its 330kV Shiroro–Kaduna transmission lines after vandals attacked two towers. This incident threatens to cause widespread blackouts in the Kano and Kaduna regions.
According to the Shiroro Regional Office, both transmission lines experienced failures, with the first line tripping immediately followed by the second. In response, TCN mobilized local vigilantes for increased patrols in the area.
The damaged towers, identified as T133 and T136, have suffered extensive harm, with cables compromised at multiple points. To mitigate the crisis, TCN has deployed a newly procured “emergency restoration system” to the site and is planning to reconstruct the damaged towers.
An aerial survey, conducted in collaboration with security operatives, has highlighted the area’s vulnerability to banditry, which poses a significant risk to TCN’s installations and personnel.
In the meantime, TCN engineers have implemented a temporary solution, supplying bulk power to the Kaduna and Kano regions through the 330kV Kaduna–Jos transmission line. These Shiroro–Kaduna 330kV lines are crucial for transmitting bulk power to parts of Northwest Nigeria, with each line capable of carrying 600MW.
