Police arrest key suspect over vandalism of six TCN transmission towers
Key Suspect Arrested in Transmission Tower Vandalism Case
YOLA, Nigeria — Authorities have apprehended a primary suspect in the vandalism of six transmission towers along the Yola-Jalingo 330kV transmission line, according to an announcement from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
TCN officials reported that engineers discovered the damage during a routine inspection on July 29. The affected towers, identified as T995, T998, T999, T1002, T1003, and T1004, had essential bracing components removed and approximately 130 tower parts stolen, jeopardizing the structural integrity of the installations.
In response to the incident, TCN collaborated with the Nigeria Police on July 30 to initiate a community operation aimed at identifying the vandals. Local leaders and youth participated in the effort.
On August 1, police informed TCN that a key suspect had been detained and some of the stolen materials recovered. TCN representatives visited the site to confirm the retrieval of items and emphasized the necessity for the suspect’s prosecution to uphold justice.
Additionally, TCN stated that investigators have gathered valuable information from the suspect and are pursuing other individuals linked to the criminal activity.
“The police have secured reliable leads from the individual in custody and are dedicated to locating the remaining members of the group. Ongoing investigations are in progress,” the company said.
TCN condemned the recurring attacks on power infrastructure, calling them a threat to both the national grid and historical investments in Nigeria’s energy sector. The company urged local communities to report any suspicious activities around transmission facilities to law enforcement or the nearest TCN office.
