The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commended the Omelu Community Vigilante for apprehending a suspected vandal allegedly attempting to sabotage a transmission tower along the Benin–Onitsha 330kV transmission line.
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Humphry Anala, an indigene of Auchi in Edo State who resides in Benin City, was arrested during a routine patrol by members of the community vigilante at about 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2026.
According to TCN, the patrol team spotted the suspect beneath one of its transmission towers, where he was allegedly attempting to loosen the tower’s base bracing before he was overpowered and arrested.
The company said the suspect was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and remains in custody pending his arraignment in court after the conclusion of investigations.
TCN disclosed that preliminary findings indicate the suspect had previously been apprehended by members of the same community about two months ago over a similar alleged act of vandalism. He was reportedly released after pleading for leniency following medical treatment but has now been rearrested for an alleged repeat offence.
The power transmission company praised the Omelu Community Vigilante for its vigilance and sustained commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure, describing the arrest as a testament to the importance of community participation in safeguarding public assets.
TCN also acknowledged the continued collaboration of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in protecting the nation’s electricity transmission infrastructure from criminal attacks.
Reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance against vandalism, the company condemned all acts of sabotage targeting power facilities, warning that such criminal activities threaten the stability of electricity supply across the country.
The company urged 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 any TCN office to help prevent further attacks on critical national infrastructure.
