- Vandalism acts have increased in 2024.
- Damaturu and parts of Borno State are left without power after suspected Boko Haram vandals damaged the Gombe-Damaturu-Maiduguri transmission line on September 21, 2024.
- The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) works on temporary power restoration and plans to rebuild the collapsed tower.
Vandalism has increased significantly in several areas of the country since the end of 2023. The Gombe-Damaturu transmission line has been vandalised for the third time in nine months; the last time was in December 2023 and February 2024.
Image Credit – Bayode Akomolafe
A statement by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has stated that Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, and several areas of Borno State have been plunged into darkness after the Gombe-Damaturu-Maiduguri transmission line was destroyed by vandals suspected to be affiliated with the Boko Haram terrorist group.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported that the attack occurred early on September 21, 2024, when all four footings of tower No T372 were cut, causing the building to collapse around 1:44 a.m.
In a statement by Mr Ndudi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, the company called on citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities near electricity infrastructure. The vandalism was detected during an emergency patrol conducted by TCN’s linesmen.
To address the immediate power outage, TCN is taking steps to temporarily restore electricity to Damaturu through a 33kV transmission line from Potiskum. In the meantime, Maiduguri will receive power from the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP). TCN plans to dismantle the collapsed tower and rebuild the transmission line immediately.
This recent vandalism is troubling, with similar attacks occurring on the same transmission line in February and December 2023. The North-East region of Nigeria has faced ongoing violence since 2009, with Boko Haram previously controlling areas the size of Belgium. Although the group’s influence has waned, they remain a threat, conducting sporadic guerrilla attacks on vulnerable communities and infrastructure.
The ongoing attacks on vital infrastructure underscore the persistent security challenges in North-East Nigeria, where the threat from Boko Haram remains a significant concern. As TCN works to restore power, the need for enhanced community vigilance and protective measures around critical facilities has never been more urgent.