29 Dec 2023 | 11:10 PM UTC
Nigeria: Electricity supply disruptions likely in Yobe and Borno States through early January after transmission towers sabotaged
Power outages and disruptions likely in Yobe and Borno States, Nigeria, until early January following attacks on electrical infrastructure.
Power outages due to sabotage will likely affect Yobe and Borno States through at least early January after suspected militants used explosives to destroy three transmission towers along the Maiduguri–Damaturu line around 21:18 on Dec. 28; one Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) employee was killed. Officials with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) stated that this is the second attack on electrical infrastructure in a week and suspect Boko Haram militants are responsible; militants previously vandalized two transmission towers in the vicinity of Damaturu on Dec. 21, leading to a 48-hour power outage in Yobe and Borno States. Additionally, TCN officials stated they were working to repair the towers but did not estimate when the transmission towers and the electricity supply would be fully restored.
Heightened security is likely near the impacted transmission towers. Localized transport and business disruptions are possible in areas experiencing power outages; malfunctioning traffic signals could disrupt traffic flow. Further attacks against utility infrastructure are possible in the coming days.
Charge mobile and other electrical devices when possible and ensure backup batteries are available where needed. Plan for possible road travel delays due to malfunctioning or nonfunctional traffic lights in affected areas; exercise caution when driving in the impacted areas. Verify that security systems are working during any power outage. Ensure that generators are functional and refuel equipment where necessary. Identify business-critical functions that require a power supply.
