The Presidential Villa in Abuja and several key areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been left without electricity following the theft of critical power cables by vandals. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed this development in a statement on Friday, attributing the blackout to the rising cases of cable theft.
According to TCN, vandals targeted a 132kV transmission line and underground cables that supply electricity to central Abuja, including parts of the Presidential Villa. These cables also serve the 132kV Central Area transmission substation, which distributes power to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) through eight feeders.
Ndidi Mba, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, revealed that the vandals struck near Millennium Park, just a few kilometers from the Presidential Villa. She explained, “The vandals carted away 40 meters of 1x500mm² XLPE conductors on the two 132kV transmission lines.”
The stolen cables have disrupted electricity supply to Maitama, Wuse, Jabi, Lifecamp, Asokoro, Utako, Mabushi, and parts of the Presidential Villa, plunging residents and government facilities into darkness.
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Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu also addressed the situation, expressing concern over the growing trend of vandalism affecting Nigeria’s power infrastructure. He reassured the public that efforts are underway to address the problem and prevent future incidents.
Mba stated that TCN engineers had already been dispatched to the site to repair the damaged cables and restore power. “Our engineers have been mobilized to begin repairs immediately,” she said, emphasizing that TCN is committed to restoring electricity to affected areas as soon as possible.
The incident has sparked discussions about the need for increased security around critical infrastructure. TCN and the Ministry of Power called on citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities near power installations.
“This act of vandalism not only disrupts power supply but also undermines national security and the economy,” Mba warned, urging communities to help protect public utilities.