The Transmission Company of Nigeria has confirmed that suspected vandals destroyed one of its transmission towers along the Gombe–Damaturu 330-kilovolt line, causing partial disruption in electricity supply to parts of the North-East.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said the vandalism occurred on Friday, October 24, 2025, at about 5:46 p.m.
According to her, “Our maintenance team discovered that the legs of Tower T347 on the Gombe–Damaturu transmission line had been cut off, resulting in the structure buckling to one side.”
She explained that the incident led to reduced bulk power supply to Maiduguri, Damaturu, and their environs. However, power is currently being sustained through alternative sources.
“Despite the setback, bulk electricity supply to the region is being maintained via the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, which presently feeds the Yola Electricity Distribution Company,” Mbah said.
She added that distribution to consumers continues through major 33kV feeders, including Beneshiek, Damasak, Bama, University, Campus, Maiduguri Town, and Monguno. “For now, Damaturu and nearby communities will receive supply from the Potiskum Substation,” she noted.
Mbah said TCN engineers have already mobilized to the site to replace the damaged tower and restore normal transmission.
“The company strongly condemns this act of vandalism and calls on members of the public to safeguard national infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities to security agencies or the nearest TCN office,” she said.
The TCN spokesperson reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring stable power supply across the country despite the challenges posed by vandalism and sabotage.
