Vigilantes Nab Suspected Vandal Along Benin-Onitsha Power Line

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commended the Omelu Community Vigilante for helping to foil an alleged attempt to vandalise a transmission tower along the Benin-Onitsha 330kV Transmission Line in Edo State.

The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Humphry Anala, an indigene of Auchi and resident in Benin City, was arrested at about 2:30am on Sunday, August 2, 2026, during a routine patrol by members of the community vigilante group.

TCN said the vigilantes noticed the suspect beneath one of its transmission towers and moved in after allegedly observing him attempting to loosen the tower’s base bracing.

He was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and remains in the custody of the Corps pending the conclusion of the investigation and possible arraignment.

Preliminary findings indicated that Anala had allegedly been arrested by members of the same community about two months earlier over a similar incident.

According to TCN, he was released after pleading for leniency and receiving medical treatment, but was subsequently arrested again over the latest alleged attempt.

The company praised the Omelu Community Vigilante for its vigilance and prompt intervention, saying the group’s efforts had helped protect critical national infrastructure from further damage.

TCN also acknowledged the support of the NSCDC in securing transmission facilities across the country and urged host communities to remain alert to activities around power installations.

The company warned that vandalism of transmission infrastructure could disrupt electricity supply and cause significant damage to facilities that are critical to the stability of the national grid.

It therefore appealed to members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements or activities around transmission towers, substations and other power installations to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.

TCN reiterated its condemnation of vandalism and other forms of sabotage targeting electricity infrastructure, stressing that the protection of transmission assets requires sustained cooperation between the company, security agencies and host communities.