Blackout in parts of Kaduna, Kano as vandals destroy transmission towers

Vandals have destroyed two towers along the crucial 330kV Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines 1 and 2, throwing parts of Kano and Kaduna into darkness.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said yesterday that the towers, T133 and T136, suffered extensive damage, resulting in a disruption of electricity supply to parts of the North-West.

The incident was first detected when one of the transmission lines tripped off, shortly followed by the second, prompting the TCN to mobilise local vigilante groups for increased patrols around the affected area.

TCN’s Shiroro Regional Office said the cables were found to be severely compromised at multiple points.

• How northern Nigerian women find voice in digital spaces
• Japa: The battle of African youths migrating abroad

“Investigations revealed that this is not a case of routine damage but a deliberate act of vandalism.

“We are working closely with security operatives to secure the area, which has been identified as vulnerable to banditry, posing risks to our infrastructure and personnel,” said TCN spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah.

In response to the emergency, the TCN has deployed a newly procured emergency restoration system to the site to stabilise the situation.