On November 9, 2024, vandals attacked the 330kV Lokoja-Gwagwalada transmission line, causing major disruptions to Nigeria’s power supply. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported that the vandals destroyed key transmission towers, including towers T306, T307, and T308.

This damage forced the line to trip, and efforts to restore power failed. During an inspection, TCN engineers discovered that two spans of aluminium conductors were also stolen. Despite this, power is still being transmitted through the second line of the transmission, and TCN is working to replace the stolen conductors.

This attack is part of a worrying trend of vandalism affecting Nigeria’s power infrastructure. In recent months, there have been several similar attacks, especially in the Gwagwalada area, which has caused ongoing issues for the national grid.

The TCN is calling on local communities to work with authorities to stop these attacks. Vandalism of power installations damages the grid, delays improvements to the power system, and affects the daily lives of Nigerians. Everyone must play a role in protecting the country’s electricity infrastructure.