Vandalized Tower
By Olayiwola Mercy
The Transmission Company of Nigeria has confirmed that parts of Borno and Yobe states are experiencing power outages due to the vandalism of its 330kV transmission line. Vandals destroyed Tower T347 along the Gombe-Damaturu line on Friday, October 24, 2025, at about 5:46 p.m. The TCN team, during a routine inspection, discovered that the tower’s legs had been cut off, causing it to buckle to one side.
This incident resulted in the partial disruption of the bulk power supply to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, and Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, and its environs. However, the Transmission Company of Nigeria has assured that bulk electricity supply remains available in certain areas through alternative means. The Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant is currently feeding the Yola Electricity Distribution Company for onward distribution to consumers through major 33kV feeders, including Beneshiek, Damasak, Bama, University Campus, Maiduguri Town, and Monguno.
Additionally, Damaturu and its environs will temporarily receive supply from the Potiskum Substation. TCN engineers are already on-site working to replace the damaged tower and restore normal transmission as soon as possible. The company strongly condemned the act of vandalism, describing it as a deliberate sabotage against national development .
The incident has further worsened the living conditions of residents in the region, who have been facing challenges with electricity supply. The power outage has disrupted economic activities and other essential services in the affected areas. TCN has urged the public to protect national assets and report any suspicious activities to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.
