Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed the arrest of two suspects linked to the vandalism of critical power infrastructure along the Nkalagu–Abakaliki 132kV transmission line in Ebonyi State.
The suspects, identified as Obinna Nweke and Monday Ezike, were apprehended on May 9, 2026, for allegedly vandalising Towers T15, T16, and T17 located within the Ezza Umuhuali Community in Ishielu Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement issued by the General Manager, Public Affairs of TCN, Ndidi Mbah, the suspects were arrested by local youths and members of a vigilante group following actionable intelligence from members of the community.
Preliminary investigations revealed that structural components of the transmission towers, estimated to be worth billions of naira, were systematically dismantled and allegedly sold to illegal scrap metal dealers.
TCN disclosed that the vandalism had reportedly been ongoing since January 2026 before the suspects were eventually caught.
“The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Police Force at Ishielu Police Station, Ntezi, and have since been formally charged before the Ebonyi State High Court,” the statement said.
The company further noted that while the two principal suspects remain in custody, investigations are ongoing to track down other accomplices believed to still be at large.
Describing the incident as a serious act of economic sabotage, TCN warned that attacks on transmission infrastructure pose grave consequences for electricity supply and national development.
The company stated that the destruction of the towers threatens the stability of power supply to Ebonyi State and neighbouring communities, stressing that vandalism of electricity infrastructure continues to undermine efforts aimed at improving power delivery across the country.
TCN commended the vigilance and swift response of the Ezza Umuhuali youths and vigilante group for assisting security agencies in apprehending the suspects.
The agency also called on communities nationwide to remain watchful and promptly report suspicious activities around transmission installations to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over the increasing rate of infrastructure vandalism in Nigeria’s power sector, with experts warning that repeated attacks on transmission facilities could worsen electricity challenges and lead to huge financial losses for the nation.