Kaduna Electric, one of the power distribution companies in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has recorded 172 incidents of vandalism against its electrical installations across four franchise states between July and September 2023.
The Chief Technical Officer, Engr. Lawal Aliyu Mashi, said this resulted in a loss of N138, 056,343 (US$171,742.09) worth of equipment within the period.
Giving details of the vandalism, Engr. Lawal Aliyu Mashi said 42 meters of earthing cable was vandalised at Abakpa injection substation while four 500MMS neutral incomer cables were also stolen at Katura village in Badarawa, Kaduna.
He also noted that, due to payment default, a community was cut off from the power supply, and as a result, numerous electrical components, including 174 spans of aluminium cables, 22 HT poles, 20 upriver cables, 34 cross arms, 142 channel irons, and one set of feeder pillar units, were vandalised.
In Gusau, Zamfara State, he explained that 12 spans of 150mm aluminium conductor were vandalised, and the 300KVA FECT 2 substation was vandalised, with 300mm2 single-core cable stolen.
According to Kaduna Electric’s Chief Security Officer, Col Ubale Abubakar (rtd), in its efforts to combat the spate of vandalism in its franchise, the company has stepped up engagements with security agencies, including the military, police and civil defence corps, to help with the arrest and prosecution of suspects.
He added that the company is also engaging with local authorities, including Divisional Police Officers, officials from the Criminal Investigation Department, State Investigation Bureau, and military leaders, to raise awareness about the negative impact of vandalism on its operations.
He also urged people to report any suspicious activities around electrical infrastructure promptly to Kaduna Electric offices or security agencies.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com