By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

In a dramatic turn of events, local vigilantes in Benue State have foiled what could have been a major power disruption after arresting five suspects vandalising the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)’s Otukpo–Yandev 132kV transmission line.

The suspects, all residents of Upu Community in Otukpo Local Government Area, were reportedly caught red-handed on November 3, 2025, while dismantling vital tower components at towers N16 and N17 in ASA 3 Community. According to a statement issued by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, the damage extended across eight other towers in the corridor.

After their arrest, the vigilantes handed over the suspects, along with dismantled metal parts and other materials, to the Benue State Police Command for investigation and prosecution. The TCN described the incident as a “major breakthrough” in its sustained battle against power infrastructure vandalism, a menace that has repeatedly undermined Nigeria’s electricity transmission network.

In response to the attack, TCN said the affected line section was promptly isolated to prevent wider disruption. Bulk power supply has since been restored to Yandev, Wukari, Takum, and Kashimbila substations via the Apir Substation, while the Otukpo Substation is being temporarily backfed through the New Heaven Substation to maintain supply.

The company praised the swift intervention of the Otukpo Local Government Chairman, community leaders, youths, and the vigilante group, saying their coordinated effort prevented a larger-scale blackout and further destruction of national assets.

Mbah reaffirmed TCN’s zero-tolerance stance on vandalism, stressing that community partnerships remain the most effective tool for protecting power infrastructure. “This incident reinforces the importance of public vigilance in securing the nation’s critical electricity facilities,” she said.

The company vowed to continue strengthening ties with host communities nationwide to ensure stable, uninterrupted power transmission and to make acts of vandalism increasingly difficult to carry out undetected.