Two men have been arrested for vandalizing three transmission towers on the Nkalagu–Abakaliki 132kV line, in an act the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has described as economic sabotage.
Obinna Nweke and Monday Ezike, both from Ezza Umuhuali Community in Ishielu LGA, Ebonyi State, were apprehended on May 9, 2026, by local youths and vigilante members acting on a tip-off.
TCN’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah said preliminary investigations showed that structural members from Towers T15, T16, and T17 were systematically removed and allegedly sold to illicit scrap metal dealers. The damage is valued in billions of naira.
According to the company, the criminal activity had been ongoing since January 2026 before the suspects were caught.
The suspects were handed over to the Nigerian Police Force at Ishielu Police Station, Ntezi, and have been charged before the Ebonyi State High Court. They remain in custody while investigations continue to track down other accomplices still at large.
TCN condemned the vandalism, saying it was “a grievous assault on national infrastructure” that threatens electricity supply to Ebonyi State and surrounding areas.
The company commended the Ezza Umuhuali youths and vigilante group for their swift action and urged communities nationwide to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity around high-voltage installations to security agencies or TCN offices.
