The national grid is currently losing 5MW of power, following the vandalization and destruction of two transmission towers, T377 and T378 by insurgents along the Gombe – Damaturu 330KV transmission line, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN has said.

According to TCN, the vandalization of the two towers was discovered when the Gombe – Damaturu 330kV transmission line kept tripping, despite every attempt towards its restoration.

TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, assured that arrangements were underway to mobilize contractors who would re-erect the vandalized transmission towers and restring the 33Ok line affected by the incident.

Mbah who in a statement sighted by our correspondent in Port Harcourt, condemned the sabotage, also called on security agencies to intensify efforts in the protection of power infrastructures.

The statement reads, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria regrets to announce the vandalism and destruction of two of its transmission towers, T377 and T378, along the Gombe – Damaturu 330kV transmission line on February 23, 2024.

“This act, perpetrated by insurgents, resulted 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 33Ok line affected by the incident.

“We are committed to working diligently to expedite the restoration process and minimize the impact of this unfortunate incident on the power supply to the affected areas.”