Transmission Company of Nigeria has announced the arrest of suspects allegedly involved in vandalising transmission infrastructure along the Nkalagu–Abakaliki 132kV single-circuit transmission line in Ebonyi State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the company’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the agency said the suspects were apprehended on May 9, 2026.
According to TCN, the suspects, who are indigenes of the Ezza Umuhuali Community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, were arrested by local youths and vigilante members following a tip-off.
The company said preliminary investigations revealed that structural components valued at billions of naira had been removed from Towers T15, T16 and T17 and allegedly sold to illegal scrap metal dealers.
“The criminal activity had been ongoing from January 2026 until the suspects’ apprehension,” the statement noted.
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TCN explained that the suspects were later handed over to the Nigeria Police Force at Ishielu Police Station in Ntezi and have since been charged before the Ebonyi State High Court.
The company added that investigations are ongoing to track down other accomplices believed to still be at large.
TCN condemned the incident, describing it as an act of economic sabotage capable of disrupting electricity supply to Ebonyi State and neighbouring communities.
The company also commended members of the Ezza Umuhuali community and the local vigilante group for their swift response and vigilance.
It further urged host communities nationwide to remain alert and promptly report suspicious activities around transmission installations to security agencies or nearby TCN offices.
