The Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) has revealed that more than 80 transformers within its service areas were vandalized and looted during the recent widespread power outage across northern Nigeria. The company reported that large cables supplying power to various communities were also stolen, with Plateau State being the hardest hit.
Eng. Hamisu Wakili Jigawa, Chief Technical Officer for operations, expressed concern over the scale of vandalism, describing the impact on power supply as severe.
“The vandalism of the transformers and theft of the cables have posed significant challenges for us,” Jigawa stated. “The level of vandalism is overwhelming. In some areas, entire power lines were dismantled. Aluminum conductors feeding certain communities were completely looted, leaving us with about 213 kV units entirely out of circuit for several days. We were only able to restore the last one yesterday.”
He further explained the extent of the damage, noting that in many instances, vandals emptied transformers by removing oil, coils, and all other parts, leaving behind only empty shells. “We have lost a significant amount of distribution assets, especially transformers and cables,” he added.
In response to the incidents, Jigawa called on local communities to stay vigilant and protect electrical infrastructure, stressing that continued vandalism would leave residents without power for extended periods.
