The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported that suspected vandals attacked a key transmission line supplying electricity to Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday, September 21, 2024, and disrupted power supply to Damaturu and parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
In a statement released by TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the company explained that vandals cut down Tower No. T372 along the Gombe-Damaturu-Maiduguri 330kV transmission line at around 1:44 a.m., leading to the collapse of the tower.
“This development has thrown the whole of Damaturu, up to Maiduguri, out of power supply,” Mbah stated. “The vandals cut off all four tower footings, resulting in the collapse of tower T372, which was discovered by TCN’s linesmen deployed on emergency patrol.”
In response to the attack, TCN is working to temporarily restore power to Damaturu through a 33kV transmission line from Potiskum, while Maiduguri will be powered by the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP).
Efforts are already underway to dismantle and evacuate the collapsed tower for reconstruction, as TCN engineers mobilize to restore bulk power to the affected regions. The company condemned the “incessant attacks” on national infrastructure and called on citizens to protect public assets, urging them to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies or nearby TCN offices.
“TCN is committed to a quick restoration of bulk power to the affected areas and will expedite reconstruction work on the tower to ensure it is completed as soon as possible,” Mbah added.