The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed that one of its transmission towers along the Gombe–Damaturu 330-kilovolt line was vandalized on Friday, disrupting electricity supply to parts of Borno and Yobe States.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the company said the incident occurred at about 5:46 p.m. on October 24.
According to Mbah, the company’s inspection team discovered during a routine patrol that the legs of Tower T347 had been cut off, causing the structure to collapse partially.
“This unfortunate act has led to a partial interruption of bulk power supply to Maiduguri in Borno State and Damaturu in Yobe State, as well as surrounding communities,” Mbah said.
Okay News reports that despite the setback, the TCN spokesperson assured that electricity supply was being maintained through the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, which currently feeds the Yola Electricity Distribution Company.
“For onward distribution to consumers, the emergency supply covers major 33kV feeders including Beneshiek, Damasak, Bama, University, Campus, Maiduguri Town, Monguno, and other areas,” she explained.
She added that “Damaturu and its environs will temporarily receive supply from the Potiskum Substation until repairs are completed.”
Mbah noted that TCN engineers had already been deployed to the site to replace the damaged structure and restore normal transmission as quickly as possible.
The company condemned the act of vandalism in strong terms, describing it as a serious threat to national energy security.
“TCN appeals to members of the public to regard power infrastructure as national assets that must be protected. Any suspicious activity around power installations should be promptly reported to security agencies or the nearest TCN office,” the statement added.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining reliable power transmission across the country despite recurring challenges of vandalism and infrastructure sabotage.
