TCN Confirms Arrest of Vandal in Osun

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed the arrest of a vandal in Osun State, following an attempt to sabotage a transmission tower. The suspect was apprehended on Tuesday night by armed vigilantes in the Ikeji-Ile area of Osun State while trying to return to the scene of a previous attack.

According to a statement released by TCN via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle and obtained by Channels Television, two accomplices remain at large and are currently being pursued by authorities. The same transmission tower had been vandalized earlier on August 13, 2024, with critical components stolen.

The suspects reportedly returned on the night of August 26 to continue their destructive activities, leading to the arrest of one individual.

Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, expressed growing concern over the increasing threat of vandalism, particularly in areas hosting power installations.

Between July 1 and August 11, 2024, TCN reported multiple vandalism incidents across its transmission regions. Notable incidents include the interception of vandals in a blue pick-up truck on August 7, 2024, by security operatives, and subsequent attacks on the Apir-Aliede and Apir-Otukpo-Yandev transmission lines.

Additional attacks occurred on August 3 and 5, 2024, in the Enugu Region and on July 24, 2024, in Osogbo, Osun State, with significant damage reported. In the Benin and Port Harcourt Regions, and the Bauchi Region, multiple towers were also damaged, leading to collapses.

Mbah appealed to host communities, urging them to take collective action against vandals and to collaborate with security agencies and vigilantes to protect power installations across the country.