The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has praised the Omelu Community Vigilante for arresting a man suspected of attempting to vandalise a transmission tower along the Benin–Onitsha 330kV transmission line.
In a statement issued on Thursday, TCN said the suspect was apprehended at about 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 2, during a routine patrol by members of the community vigilante.
According to the company, the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Humphry Anala, an indigene of Auchi in Edo State who resides in Benin City, was allegedly caught beneath one of the transmission towers while attempting to loosen the tower’s base bracing.
TCN said the suspect was immediately handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and remains in the agency’s custody pending his arraignment after investigations are concluded.
The company disclosed that preliminary findings indicate the suspect had allegedly been apprehended by members of the same community about two months ago for a similar offence. However, he was reportedly released after pleading for leniency following medical treatment, only to be arrested again for an alleged repeat offence.
Commending the vigilance and commitment of the Omelu Community Vigilante, TCN also appreciated the continued collaboration of the NSCDC in protecting the nation’s critical power transmission infrastructure.
The company reiterated its condemnation of vandalism and sabotage of electricity infrastructure, urging host communities and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around transmission towers, substations and other power installations to the nearest security agency or TCN office.
