Suspected bandits have attacked the construction site of a 330/132/33kV transmission substation in Obajana, Kogi State, causing extensive damage to essential infrastructure intended to enhance power supply to Kogi and neighboring areas.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed the attack in a statement issued by its General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the incident occurred around 11:55 PM on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
“Armed men invaded the construction site of the ongoing 330/132/33kV transmission substation in Obajana, Kogi State,” TCN reported.
“The attackers opened fire, forcing security personnel on site to flee for their safety.”
The assault caused significant damage to a 150MVA 330/132/33kV power transformer, an essential component meant to bolster power supply in Kogi and nearby regions.
The transformer suffered extensive damage, including a ruptured radiator, according to TCN.
TCN added that it has commenced an evaluation of the damaged equipment in collaboration with the project contractor to assess the full extent of the destruction. “This incident is part of a broader pattern of vandalism targeting transmission infrastructure across the country,” the statement noted, highlighting the nationwide challenge of infrastructure attacks that are disrupting Nigeria’s power sector.
This latest incident follows a recent attack on TCN’s 330kV Lokoja–Gwagwalada transmission line, where transmission towers T306, T307, and T308 were vandalized.
“The growing trend of vandalism targeting transmission lines and towers has become a serious challenge, severely impacting the country’s power infrastructure and hindering the expansion and stability of the national grid.
Vandalism of power installations is a disservice to us all and undermines efforts to strengthen the nation’s transmission system,” TCN emphasized.
