TCN Arrests Suspects in Ebonyi Tower Vandalism; Over 276 Incidents Recorded Nationally

The recent arrest of suspects involved in the systematic vandalism of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) facilities along the Nkalagu–Abakaliki 132kV transmission line in Ebonyi State is a critical development in the ongoing battle against economic sabotage. This incident, which saw structural tower members valued at billions of naira removed and sold to scrap metal dealers, underscores the persistent threat to Nigeria's energy infrastructure.

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structural tower members valued at ‘billions of naira’ were systematically removed and sold to illicit scrap metal dealers.

From the perspective of TCN and national development stakeholders, such acts of vandalism are not mere property damage; they represent a direct assault on the nation's power transmission capabilities. The staggering figure of over 276 towers vandalized between 2022 and 2025 highlights the scale of this menace. The apprehension of Obinna Nweke and Monday Ezike, indigenes of the Ezza Umuhuali Community, by local youths and a vigilante group, demonstrates the crucial role of community engagement in combating this issue.

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Between 2022 and 2025, TCN recorded nothing less than 276 tower vandalism. But this year, with the support of communities and proactiveness of our staff, we have been able to minimise the issue of vandalism to about 40.

While TCN expresses strong condemnation, the arrest and subsequent charging of the suspects before the Ebonyi State High Court offer a glimmer of hope. The ongoing investigation to identify further accomplices is vital. This situation, however, also points to a broader challenge: the need for robust security measures, effective public awareness campaigns about the dangers of vandalizing transmission infrastructure, and stringent penalties for offenders to deter future acts of economic sabotage that cripple national progress.

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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) wishes to inform the general public that two suspects were arrested in connection with the vandalism of Towers T15, T16, and T17 along the Nkalagu–Abakaliki 132kV Single Circuit Transmission Line.