Kaduna Electric has deep concern over the frequent incidents of vandalism of electrical installations within its franchise area.
Despite the challenging situation, the company said it is taking significant measures to address this issue and ensure a stable power supply for its customers.
The Chief Technical Officer, Engr Lawal Aliyu Mashi, in a statement stated that there were approximately 172 cases of vandalism reported across the four franchise states of the company between July and September of this year.
He added that the attacks resulted in a loss of N138,056,343 worth of equipment during that period.
According to the statement, about 42 metres of earthing cable were vandalised at Abakpa Injection Substation in Kaduna, while four metres of 500MM2 neutral incomer cables were also stolen at Katuru Village in Badarawa, Kaduna.
The statement 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, the statement 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 (rrd), 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.
Ubale He also urged people to report any suspicious activities around electrical infrastructure promptly to Kaduna Electric offices or security agencies.
