TCN COMMENDS VIGILANTES FOR ARREST OF SUSPECTED TRANSMISSION TOWER VANDAL

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commended the Omelu Community Vigilante for arresting a suspected vandal allegedly caught attempting to damage a transmission tower along the Benin–Onitsha 330kV transmission line.

According to a statement issued by TCN, the incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2026, during a routine patrol when members of the vigilante group reportedly found the suspect hiding beneath one of the company’s transmission towers.

The suspect, identified as Humphrey Anala, 34, from Uromi in Edo State but resident in Benin City, was allegedly attempting to remove the tower’s base bracing when he was apprehended.

TCN said the suspect was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution. He remains in custody and is expected to be arraigned in court after investigations are concluded.

Preliminary findings revealed that the suspect had previously been arrested by members of the same community about two months earlier for a similar offence. He was reportedly released after pleading for leniency due to medical treatment, only to be arrested again for another alleged act of vandalism.

The company praised the vigilance and commitment of the Omelu Community Vigilante in protecting critical national infrastructure and acknowledged the continued support of the NSCDC in safeguarding the country’s electricity transmission network.

TCN also condemned all forms of vandalism targeting power infrastructure and urged communities to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious activities around transmission towers, substations and other electricity installations to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.