The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has suffered major setback after the vandalism and destruction of two of its transmission towers.

The destroyed towers are T377 and T378, along the Gombe – Damaturu 330kV transmission line on Friday, February 23, 2024.

Confirming the development in a statement issued by the TCN’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, the transmission company noted that the act was perpetrated by insurgents, resulting in a load loss of approximately 5MW.

“At approximately 9:35 pm yesterday, the Gombe – Damaturu 330kV transmission line experienced a trip. Following initial checks, TCN engineers from the Bauchi regional office attempted the restoration of the line but it tripped again, prompting the dispatch of TCN’s linesmen and security operatives to trace the fault. The team, then discovered the two collapsed towers, T377 and T378.

“In the interim, TCN has arranged to temporarily supply electricity to Damaturu from the Potiskum Transmission Substation. Meanwhile, arrangements are underway to mobilize contractors that will re-erect the vandalized transmission towers and restring the 330kV line affected by the incident.

“TCN condemns this act of sabotage and is again calling on relevant authorities to intensify efforts in the protection of power infrastructures.

“We are committed to working diligently to expedite the restoration process and minimize the impact of this unfortunate incident on power supply to the affected areas”, the TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, stated.