How Gunmen Attack TCN Substation in Kwara, Force Power Shutdown

How Gunmen Attack TCN Substation in Kwara, Force Power Shutdown

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed that heavily armed men invaded its transmission facility in Offa, Kwara State, forcing operators to shut down electricity feeders at gunpoint and temporarily disrupting power supply in parts of the state.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 7, 2026, targeted the Offa 132kV transmission substation, one of the key facilities responsible for electricity transmission within the area.

In a statement issued by TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the attackers reportedly stormed the facility, forcefully entered the control room, and held workers on duty hostage during the operation.

According to the company, the gunmen ordered the operator on duty to disconnect both the Offa and Ojoku 33kV feeders at exactly 12:45 a.m., causing a temporary power outage in Kwara State.

TCN further disclosed that the attackers demanded a total shutdown of the transmission substation and allegedly tampered with critical control switches and relay buttons within the facility.

The company stated that the 40MVA transformer at the substation was eventually shut down at about 1:07 a.m., escalating concerns over the vulnerability of Nigeria’s critical power infrastructure to security threats.

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Following the attack, the Transmission Company of Nigeria declared a force majeure on the affected facility.

However, engineers were able to restore the transformer six minutes later at about 1:13 a.m., while electricity supply through the Offa feeder resumed by 1:14 a.m. Supply to the Ojoku feeder was later restored at approximately 2:15 a.m.

TCN apologised to customers affected by the temporary disruption and assured Nigerians of its continued commitment to transmitting bulk electricity efficiently across the country.

The attack has intensified concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara State and the growing targeting of strategic national infrastructure.

The latest incident comes amid increasing reports of attacks on security formations and public facilities within the North Central region.

Recently, suspected bandits reportedly attacked a Police Mobile Force camp in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing at least three police officers during a midnight assault.

Security analysts have warned that attacks on critical facilities such as power stations could have serious implications for national security, economic activities, and public confidence in government infrastructure protection.

Residents and stakeholders have also urged security agencies to strengthen surveillance around electricity facilities and other strategic installations to prevent further attacks.

As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the invasion, while security agencies had yet to announce any arrests connected to the incident.

The development has once again highlighted concerns over the security of Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure amid persistent challenges facing the nation’s power sector.

How Gunmen Attack TCN Substation in Kwara, Force Power Shutdown