The Daily Trust reports that mobile phone masts belonging to MTN and Airtel in the Nigerian cities of Kano and Maiduguri have been attacked by gunmen.
According to a report by the publication at least eight MTN masts were destroyed and its office burnt and damaged on this week.
There is speculation that the attacks are likely to be blamed on a specific group that is alleged to have issued threats against mobile telecom companies in February.
It has been reported that attackers damaged telecommunication masts belonging to MTN at Bolori, Ngaranam, Dala Alamdiri, Adam Kolo, Limanti, Gwange, Bayan Quarters and West End areas.
MTN Nigeria has confirmed that attacks have been made on some of its installations in Northern Nigeria by unknown persons.
The company’s Corporate Services Executive, Mr. Akinwale Goodluck, in a statement in Lagos, said the attacks by unknown persons had caused service challenges in parts of the North as sensitive hub sites had also been affected.
“We confirm that like all the other major telecommunication operators, some of MTN’s installations in Northern Nigeria have been damaged by unknown persons. As far as we are aware, there were no fatalities as a result of these attacks and we are receiving full co operation from the relevant government security agencies” he said.
“The attacks are unfortunate as the facilities built by MTN Nigeria and indeed other telecommunication companies are key to the ICT revolution in Nigeria and the accelerated socio-economic development of our nation”
Goodluck said the company was already working to restore services as quickly as possible to minimize the impact to subscribers.
“We seek the kind understanding of our esteemed customers in the affected areas in Northern Nigeria, who may have experienced congestion or outright network failure. We are intensifying efforts to restore.”
Chris Tredger, Online Editor
