Cable Theft Plunges Nigerian Presidential Villa into Darkness

The Presidential Villa in Abuja, Nigeria, and surrounding areas have been thrown into darkness following the theft of critical electricity cables, according to a statement released on Friday by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The incident highlights the growing menace of infrastructure vandalism, which has continued to disrupt power supply in key parts of the country.

In a joint statement by the TCN and Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, it was revealed that vandals targeted a 132kV transmission line and underground cables supplying electricity to central areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The attack occurred near Millennium Park, just a few kilometers from the Presidential Villa, raising concerns about the security of critical infrastructure.

Details of the Incident

Ndidi Mba, the General Manager of Public Affairs at TCN, disclosed that the vandals carted away 40 meters of 1x500mm² XLPE conductors from two 132kV transmission lines. The stolen cables are integral to the power supply network that services high-profile locations, including Maitama, Wuse, Jabi, Lifecamp, Asokoro, Utako, Mabushi, and parts of the Presidential Villa.

“This act of vandalism has caused widespread power outages in several key areas of the Federal Capital Territory, including the Presidential Villa. Our engineers have been mobilized to the site to repair the damage and restore power as quickly as possible,” Mba stated.

The blackout has affected both residential and commercial activities in the affected areas. Maitama, Wuse, and Asokoro are home to numerous government offices, diplomatic missions, and high-end residential properties, making the power outage particularly disruptive. Residents have expressed frustration, with some calling for stricter measures to protect the nation’s power infrastructure.

Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu condemned the act, describing it as a significant setback to efforts aimed at stabilizing Nigeria’s power supply. “The vandalism of power infrastructure is a major challenge that undermines the progress we are making in the energy sector. We are working with security agencies to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” Adelabu said.

The government has pledged to intensify surveillance and security around critical infrastructure to prevent future occurrences. Adelabu also urged communities to be vigilant and report suspicious activities around power installations.

TCN engineers have already begun repairs at the site of the incident. While no specific timeline was provided, Mba assured the public that every effort is being made to restore electricity to the affected areas as soon as possible.

Cable theft has become a recurring issue in Nigeria, disrupting power supply and incurring significant repair costs. Experts have called for the adoption of advanced technologies, such as underground cabling and real-time monitoring systems, to curb the menace.

As Abuja residents await the restoration of power, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s power infrastructure and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to protect critical assets.