The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has announced that local vigilantes recently apprehended five suspected vandals of its Otukpo–Yandev 132 KV single-circuit transmission line in Benue State.
The spokesperson for TCN, Ndidi Mbah, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
According to the statement, the suspects were caught while attempting to vandalise the facility on 3 November 2025.
The agency said bulk electricity supply has been restored to Yandev, Wukari, Takum, and Kashimbila Transmission Substations through the Apir Substation, while the Otukpo Substation is being backfed from the New Heaven Substation.
TCN added that the suspects have been handed over to the police for investigation.
According to the statement: “The Transmission Company of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that the ongoing effort aimed at protecting its infrastructure is beginning to yield success with the arrest of five suspected vandals from the Upu Community in the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State by local vigilantes while vandalising the Otukpo–Yandev 132 kV single-circuit transmission line on November 3, 2025.
“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.
“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.”
Meanwhile, TCN said the damaged section of the line has been isolated and bulk power restored to Yandev, Wukari, Takum, and Kashimbila Transmission Substation through the Apir Substation, while the Otukpo Substation is being backfed from the New Heaven Substation.
The statement further read: “TCN, however, commended the Chairman, Otukpo Local Government Area, community leaders, youths and members of the local vigilante group for their support in coordinating the arrest of the vandals and promised to sustain the synergy with the community for protection of its critical transmission infrastructure in the area.”
