TCN Foils Attempted Theft at Bauchi Substation, Recovers Tower Components

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has thwarted an attempted theft at its 330/132kV transmission substation in Bauchi, recovering critical transmission tower components and a vehicle suspected to have been used by the fleeing vandals.

The incident occurred at about 9:34 p.m. on Friday, July 24, when security personnel on duty at the facility intercepted individuals allegedly attempting to remove vital tower members from the substation.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the General Manager, Public Affairs, TCN, Ndidi Mbah, the suspects abandoned the operation and fled after spotting the security guards.

A search of the area led to the recovery of 12 transmission tower angle irons, a heavy-duty metal measuring scale and a white pickup truck believed to have been used during the attempted theft.

The statement said the recovered items, including the vehicle, had been handed over to the Railway Division Police Station in Bauchi for further investigation.

TCN said no equipment was successfully removed from the facility and no injuries were recorded during the incident.

The company commended the swift intervention of its security personnel, noting that their vigilance prevented the theft and possible damage to critical electricity transmission infrastructure.

It also appealed to residents of host communities to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around transmission installations to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.

The company stressed that protecting electricity infrastructure is a shared responsibility, adding that timely information from the public remains crucial in tackling vandalism and safeguarding the national grid.