Critical power infrastructure in Nigeria’s Northeast has been targeted in a suspected terrorist attack, severely disrupting electricity supply to major cities in Borno and Yobe states.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed that Tower T347 on the vital Gombe–Damaturu 330kV transmission line was deliberately vandalized on Friday, October 24, 2025. Security sources now attribute the attack to the notorious Boko Haram terrorist group, highlighting a dangerous escalation in the targeting of national infrastructure.
The act of sabotage, discovered by a routine inspection team, involved the tower’s legs being cut off, causing the massive structure to collapse. This has crippled the primary channel for bulk power supply to the region.
Widespread Impact on States Already in Crisis
The destruction has had an immediate and severe impact, cutting off the main power supply to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, and Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State. This has plunged homes, businesses, and critical facilities like hospitals into darkness, dealing a heavy blow to economic activity and daily life in a region already grappling with a prolonged insurgency.
In a statement, the TCN condemned the act, stating, “This criminal attack on our infrastructure is an attack on the well-being of our citizens. We are working tirelessly to restore supply and call on communities to partner with security agencies to protect these vital national assets.”
Emergency Measures Activated as Engineers Race to Repair
To mitigate the crisis, emergency power protocols have been activated. Power supply to parts of Maiduguri is now being precariously sustained through the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP), which is feeding the local grid through key 33kV feeders including Beneshiek, Damasak, Bama, and University.
Similarly, Damaturu and surrounding communities are receiving a temporary and limited supply from the Potiskum Substation. However, residents report that this supply is erratic and insufficient to meet demand.
TCN engineers are currently on-site, working to erect a new tower to replace the vandalized one. The company has not provided a timeline for full restoration, but the process is expected to be complex and time-consuming.
The incident has raised serious security concerns, with many questioning how a terrorist group could successfully dismantle a major high-voltage transmission tower undetected. There are growing calls for enhanced security patrols and surveillance around key energy infrastructure to prevent future attacks.