The Federal Government has condemned attacks by vandals on power transmission towers, describing the act as sabotage.

Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), had at the weekend, disclosed that vandals destroyed two transmission towers supplying electricity to parts of the North East, leaving Borno and Yobe without supply.

The organisation said Tower T372 around Katsaita Village in Yobe State was vandalised on Thursday, bringing down the 330kV transmission facility, which pulled down tower T373 along the same line.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said the government was concerned about attacks on power infrastructure, declaring that it had begun investigation to unravel perpetrators.

He added that the government was working on legislation to tackle the menace.
In a statement on his verified X account (formerly Twitter, Adelabu vowed that the initiators would be prosecuted.

He wrote: “Deeply troubled by the recent act of vandalism on our power infrastructure. A transmission tower in Yobe State, T372, was deliberately brought down, causing a ripple effect that led to the collapse of T373 along the same transmission line. This criminal act occurred at 21:18, and has disrupted power supply to parts of the North East, affecting Yobe and Borno states.

“While I condemn this deliberate sabotage, I appeal to all Nigerians to stand against such actions. We cannot let a few individuals hinder our efforts in providing regular electricity to the nation.

“Our ministry is working closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate this incident thoroughly. Those responsible for this destructive act will face the full force of the law. Vandalism not only disrupts power supply but also poses a threat to the safety and well-being of our communities”.

“A comprehensive plan to protect the facilities would soon be unveiled. We are also working on appropriate legislation to tackle the menace of vandalism.”

The minister maintained that there is the need for vandals to repent for regular electricity supply nationwide.

“We should not continue to be our own worst enemy. Nigerians should also protect government assets in their areas,” he pleaded.

Adelabu stated: “In addition to immediate actions, we are mobilising resources to quickly reconstruct the damaged towers. Restoring power supply to Yobe and Borno states is our priority.”