BREAKING: Incessant transformer vandalism: A growing threat to electricity supply in Kaduna

In Kaduna metropolis, transformer vandalism has become a recurring crisis that threatens the stability of electricity supply across the city.

Reports of stolen transformer cables and other components are widespread, with affected communities spending between N800,000 and N1 million to replace the damaged infrastructure. This disturbing trend occurs almost weekly, plunging neighborhoods into darkness and financial distress.

The General Manager of Kaduna Electric, Dr. Umar Hashidu, highlighted the gravity of the issue. According to him, replacing vandalised transformers costs between N2 million and N3 million per unit. With an estimated 50 to 80 transformers vandalized monthly, the financial burden on the company is staggering.

Kaduna Electric operates over 10,800 public transformers across Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States, covering a geographical area of over 100,000 square kilometers. Given the prevailing security challenges in the Northwest, safeguarding these installations remains an arduous task.

Dr. Hashidu lamented that the culprits behind these acts are often members of the same communities that suffer the consequences.

Some vandals reportedly melt stolen cables to extract copper for illicit trade. The resulting damage extends beyond Kaduna Electric, affecting entire communities that rely on these transformers for power.

In response, the company has urged communities to take ownership of these infrastructures and remain vigilant against vandals.

Security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), are collaborating with Kaduna Electric to curb the menace.

However, with transformers scattered across every neighborhood, securing each one remains a herculean task. The company also integrates security costs into customer tariffs, meaning that persistent vandalism leads to increased operational costs and, ultimately, higher electricity tariffs.

Amid these concerns, some residents allege that the vandalism is orchestrated by insiders, particularly unscrupulous Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) staff.

A resident of Narayi community in Chikun LGA, Kaduna state, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that: “It is difficult to believe ordinary criminals are responsible for these thefts. The technical expertise required to dismantle transformers suggests the involvement of insiders.”

Another resident of Barnawa, Kaduna South LGA identified simply as Sule, echoed similar sentiments, saying: “Each time you will hear that one transformer is vandalized. You will stay at times for one month and nothing will be done about it by the PHCN officials.

“When the street is tired of staying without light then they begin to task themselves to get it fixed. It raises questions about who truly benefits from these acts.”

When contacted, the Head of Corporate Communications at Kaduna Electric, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, stated that there is no official position on these allegations.

However, he acknowledged the company’s substantial financial losses due to vandalism and reiterated ongoing efforts to sensitize customers on the need to protect public electrical infrastructure.

Transformer vandalism remains a pressing challenge that requires collective action. While security agencies play their part, community vigilance is crucial, just as the popular assertion goes, “Heaven helps those who help themselves.”

Residents must unite to safeguard their electricity infrastructure, as the consequences of inaction will continue to impact homes, businesses, and overall economic activities in the region. The time to act is now.