The Nigerian government has announced that the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) is leading coordinated security efforts with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Nigerian Army to protect engineers working on the damaged 330kV Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines.
It was earlier reported that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) highlighted security concerns as a major obstacle to repairing the vandalized towers, which has caused widespread power outages across parts of Northern Nigeria.
The vandalism of two towers along the Shiroro-Kaduna lines has disrupted electricity supply to areas in Kano and Kaduna states. According to TCN, the incident was first reported by its Shiroro Regional Office.
Speaking during a public hearing held by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Engineer Nafisatu Ali, Executive Director of the Independent System Operator at TCN, warned that a full resolution of the issue would take time.
She also noted that while the Ugwuaji-Apir line offers some relief, it can only transmit 350 MW of the 750 MW capacity needed due to voltage instability in Kano.
Sunday Dare, the former Minister of Youth and Sports and current Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation to President Bola Tinubu, confirmed that the NSA-led security operations will ensure the safety of TCN engineers working in the dense forest areas around Shiroro.
Dare shared an update on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating: “The office of the NSA is coordinating the joint efforts of NAF – Kaduna HQ, and the Army in the surveillance of the 330kV Shiroro-Kaduna Lines 1 & 2 regarding the vandalized towers. This includes security cover for TCN personnel working in the thick forest area of Shiroro.”
He further revealed that the repair teams have identified the damaged sections of the transmission lines. With security now in place, they aim to restore Line 2 as soon as possible before moving on to Line 1.
Dare added: “Meanwhile, TCN is nearing the provision of a temporary 400 MW power supply to affected northern areas through the Ugwuaji-Apir line.”
This coordinated response highlights the government’s efforts to restore electricity while ensuring the safety of personnel working in high-risk zones.
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