Police arrest suspect over vandalism of six TCN transmission towers

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed the arrest of a key suspect following the vandalism of six transmission towers along the Yola-Jalingo 330kV transmission line.

According to the company, its engineers discovered the damage during a routine patrol on July 29, revealing that transmission towers T995, T998, T999, T1002, T1003 and T1004 had been vandalised.

TCN said the vandals removed critical bracing components and allegedly stole about 130 tower parts, leaving the affected structures vulnerable.

Following the discovery, the company and the Nigeria Police carried out a joint operation in the affected community on July 30, working with local leaders and youths to identify those responsible.

TCN disclosed that the police notified the company on August 1 that a major suspect had been arrested and some of the stolen materials recovered.

“TCN officials visited the site to verify the recovered materials and reiterated the call for the full prosecution of the suspect to ensure justice is served,” the company said.

The company added that investigators had obtained useful information from the suspect and were pursuing other members of the alleged vandalism syndicate.

“The Police have obtained solid leads from the suspect in custody and remain committed to tracking down the remaining members of the syndicate. Investigations are ongoing,” the statement added.

TCN condemned the repeated attacks on electricity infrastructure, describing them as a serious threat to the national grid and investments in the power sector.

The company also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities around transmission facilities to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.