Man Electrocuted While Attempting to Vandalize Transformer at Borno State University

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

A tragic incident occurred on Sunday morning, 7th September 2025, at Borno State University, Maiduguri, when an unidentified man lost his life after allegedly attempting to vandalize an electricity transformer on the institution’s premises.

The event has once again drawn attention to the growing menace of vandalism targeting critical infrastructure across Nigeria, particularly power installations that sustain essential services for millions of citizens.

Body Discovered Near Transformer

Eyewitnesses told Akahi News that the lifeless body of the man was discovered early in the morning beside the transformer located within the university compound. The discovery quickly attracted the attention of residents and students in the area, sparking fears of sabotage and raising concerns about the security of public facilities.

Officers of the Borno State Police Command, working in collaboration with the State Fire Service, swiftly moved to secure the scene before evacuating the remains to a nearby hospital for further investigation.

Police Confirm Electrocution

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Borno State Command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, revealed that preliminary investigations pointed to electrocution as the cause of death.

“The Borno State Police Command wishes to inform the public that on 7/9/2025, the body of an unidentified male was found near a transformer in Borno State University. Findings indicate he was electrocuted while attempting to vandalize electrical installations,” ASP Daso said in a statement made available to Akahi News.

He added that a full-scale investigation has been launched to uncover further details surrounding the incident, including the victim’s identity and whether he acted alone or as part of a larger syndicate targeting public infrastructure.

Police Warn Against Vandalism

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, issued a stern warning against acts of vandalism and sabotage targeting public facilities across the state.

“Tampering with electricity transformers and other critical installations is a dangerous and criminal act. It not only disrupts essential services but also puts lives at risk. We will not tolerate any form of vandalism that compromises the safety and well-being of our communities,” the Police Commissioner stated.

The Police Command also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements around public facilities to law enforcement agencies, noting that community cooperation is key to safeguarding public assets from criminal elements.

Rising Cases of Vandalism in Nigeria

The incident at Borno State University adds to a growing list of reported vandalism cases across Nigeria in recent years. Power infrastructure—especially transformers and transmission lines—has been a frequent target for thieves who steal components such as cables, oil, and metal parts for resale.

Experts note that such vandalism often leads to prolonged power outages, costly repairs for the government, and in some cases, tragic loss of life as witnessed in Maiduguri.

A report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in 2024 highlighted that vandalism and energy theft accounted for billions of naira in losses annually, worsening the already fragile electricity supply chain in the country.

Community Cooperation Urged

Authorities in Borno State have consistently appealed to communities to take ownership of protecting public assets, stressing that adequate security cannot be achieved without active public participation.

Security analysts who spoke to Akahi News noted that while police patrols and surveillance have improved in many states, residents must also play their part by providing timely information to prevent criminal attacks on critical infrastructure.

With investigations ongoing, the Borno State Police Command has promised to update the public on any fresh findings as efforts continue to curb the menace of vandalism and enhance the protection of public utilities across the state.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org