Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed the arrest of two suspects linked to the vandalism of Towers T15, T16 and T17 along the Nkalagu–Abakaliki 132kV single circuit transmission line in Ebonyi State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the General Manager, Public Affairs of Transmission Company of Nigeria, Ndidi Mbah, identified the suspects as Obinna Nweke and Monday Ezike, both indigenes of the Ezza Umuhuali Community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to Mbah, the suspects were apprehended by local youths and members of a vigilance group following a tip-off.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that structural components valued at billions of naira were systematically removed from the affected transmission towers and allegedly sold to illegal scrap metal dealers.
The statement further disclosed that the vandalism had been ongoing since January 2026 before the suspects were eventually caught.
Mbah said the suspects were handed over to the Nigerian Police Force at Ishielu Police Station in Ntezi and have since been formally charged before the Ebonyi State High Court.
She added that while the two main suspects remain in custody, investigations are continuing to identify and arrest other accomplices believed to still be at large.
“TCN strongly condemns this act of economic sabotage, which not only constitutes a grievous assault on national infrastructure but also undermines the stability of electricity supply to Ebonyi State and surrounding communities,” the statement read.
The company also commended the efforts of local youths and vigilance members in assisting security agencies.
“We commend the vigilance and swift action of the Ezza Umuhuali youths and vigilance group in bringing these suspects to justice,” Mbah stated.
Transmission Company of Nigeria urged communities across the country to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around power infrastructure to security agencies or nearby TCN offices.
