Suspected Boko Haram terrorists destroyed the Damaturu-Maiduguri 330kV transmission line early on Sunday, just three weeks after its restoration by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
The transmission line that feeds bulk power to Maiduguri from the Damaturu Transmission Substation.
Reports indicate that the attackers used improvised explosive devices (IEDs) around 2 a.m., causing another blackout in Maiduguri and its surrounding areas, security analyst in the Lake Chad area, Zagazola Makama reports.
Makama has previously condemned TCN for publicly announcing the restoration of power supply in the area on social media, criticising the move as “unprofessional” and “dangerously counterproductive.”
He warned that such announcements could serve as a direct invitation for terrorist groups to strike again.
Makama reiterated that Boko Haram has a history of attacking vital infrastructure in the region. He faulted TCN’s communication strategy, accusing the company of failing to learn from past mistakes and lacking the necessary crisis communication skills to handle such sensitive matters.
Despite his warnings, TCN did not remove the public announcement, a decision that Makama argued has now had serious consequences.
