The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says five suspected vandals from Upu community in Otukpo local government area of Benue have been arrested by local vigilantes while vandalising a transmission line.
In a statement on Thursday, the company said the vandals had attacked the Otukpo-Yandev 132-kilovolt (kV) single-circuit transmission line on November 3.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) wishes to inform the public that the ongoing effort aimed at protecting its infrastructure is beginning to yield success with the arrests of five suspected vandals from Upu Community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State by local vigilantes while vandalising the Otukpo-Yandev 132kV Single-Circuit transmission line on November 3, 2025,” the statement reads.
“The suspects were caught in the act while vandalising towers N16 and N17 in ASA 3 Community, with damage done extending to eight other towers along the line.
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“Consequently, the suspects with dismembered parts of the towers and other materials recovered were handed over to the Benue State Police Command for investigation and prosecution.”
The transmission company said the damaged section of the line has been isolated and bulk power restored to Yandev, Wukari, Takum, and Kashimbila transmission substations through the Apir substation.
The agency, however, said the Otukpo substation is being back-fed from the New Haven substation.
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The organisation commended the chairman of Otukpo LGA, community leaders, youths, and members of the local vigilante group, for their support in facilitating the arrest of the vandals.
The company pledged to maintain and strengthen its collaboration with the community to ensure the continued protection of its critical transmission infrastructure in the area.
