Boko Haram terrorists attack power infrastructure in Borno State

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed that Boko Haram insurgents attacked its 330/132V transmission substation at Molai in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Its General Manager Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, who made the confirmation in Abuja, stated that the violence took place on May 7 at about 5:30pm

The development may have, however, added a new twist to the security situation in the region, considering that the terrorists had in the past destroyed electricity installations reportedly worth over N1 billion.

In a statement, Mbah said two Post Isolators Porcelain units in the substation were affected, adding that the cracks on the affected transmission apparatus were, however, not too deep to affect supply to the substation.

According to her, the insurgents stole a company van, destroyed two others and a vehicle belonging to a staff member.

Also destroyed were a truck, computer, monitor and printer in the transmission control room.

She said the windows of the control room and staff house were also crushed by gunshots.

The spokesperson said the operator on duty did exceptionally well by opening the transmission lines and shutting down the station just before the insurgents arrived.

She said the company restored power to the area on Wednesday after engineers carried out thorough checks on the facility.

The substation, which was completed and energised on October 25, 2018 but commissioned on February 13, 2019, has 150MVA and 60MVA power transformers that feed Yola Disco customers in Maiduguri and environs.