TCN, Police Arrest Suspect Over Vandalism of Six Transmission Towers in Adamawa

By Iyojo Ameh

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, has arrested a suspected vandal in connection with the destruction of six transmission towers along the Yola–Jalingo 330kV transmission line, recovering part of the stolen components.

TCN disclosed on Wednesday that the vandalism was uncovered during a routine patrol by its engineers on July 29, 2026, when critical structural members were found missing from Towers T995, T998, T999, T1002, T1003 and T1004.

According to the company, the vandals removed about 130 tower bracing members, leaving the affected towers structurally compromised and posing a serious threat to the integrity of the transmission line.

In response, TCN and the Nigeria Police Force carried out a joint operation in the affected host community on July 30, engaging the village head and youth leaders while demanding their cooperation in identifying those responsible for the attack.

The operation yielded results on August 1, when the Police informed TCN that a principal suspect had been arrested. Security operatives also recovered part of the stolen transmission tower components believed to have been taken during the vandalism.

TCN officials subsequently visited the recovery site to verify the retrieved materials and called for the diligent prosecution of the suspect to serve as a deterrent to others involved in attacks on critical national infrastructure.

The company said the Police have obtained useful intelligence from the suspect and are pursuing other members of the vandalism syndicate, adding that investigations are ongoing.

Condemning the recurring attacks on electricity infrastructure, TCN warned that the destruction of transmission facilities threatens years of investment in the nation’s power sector and could negatively affect the stability and reliability of electricity supply.

The company urged residents of host communities and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around transmission installations to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.

TCN stressed that protecting power infrastructure is a collective responsibility, noting that safeguarding national grid assets is essential to ensuring uninterrupted electricity transmission across the country.