Suspected bandits launched an attack on the construction site of the 330/132/33kV transmission substation in Obajana, Kogi State, late Tuesday, significantly setting back ongoing government efforts to enhance power generation in the region. The armed assailants fired sporadically, causing guards to flee, and subsequently destroyed a 150MVA 330/132/33kV power transformer positioned on its plinth at the site.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), General Manager of Public Affairs Ndidi Mbah confirmed the attack, noting that it took place around 11:55 pm on November 12, 2024. “The attack led to a burst radiator on the transformer, which had been installed as part of a new facility designed to boost electricity supply for Kogi State and nearby areas,” Mbah said.

Following the incident, TCN has initiated an assessment of the damage in coordination with the project contractor, though the extent of destruction and any delays to the project timeline remain unconfirmed.

This recent incident is part of a disturbing pattern of vandalism affecting Nigeria’s power infrastructure. Last Sunday, TCN also reported an attack on the 330kV Lokoja–Gwagwalada transmission line, where vandals damaged towers T306, T307, and T308, compromising the national grid’s stability. TCN highlighted the increasing frequency of such attacks as a serious challenge to expanding and maintaining the nation’s power infrastructure.

“The growing trend of vandalism targeting transmission lines and towers undermines our collective progress,” the TCN statement warned. “Vandalism of power installations not only affects communities but disrupts the nation’s efforts to strengthen and expand the transmission system.”