Two individuals have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the vandalism of critical power infrastructure along the Nkalagu–Abakaliki 132kV Single Circuit Transmission Line in Ebonyi State.
The development was disclosed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in an official statement issued on Monday by its General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah.
According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended on May 9, 2026, in connection with the destruction of Towers T15, T16, and T17 on the transmission network.
TCN identified the suspects as Obinna Nweke and Monday Ezike, both natives of the Ezza Umuhuali community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The company explained that local youths and members of a community vigilante group arrested the suspects following intelligence reports that led to their capture.
Preliminary findings reportedly showed that structural components of the affected transmission towers, estimated to be worth billions of naira, were allegedly dismantled and sold to illegal scrap metal dealers.
TCN further stated that investigations revealed the vandalism operation had allegedly been ongoing since January 2026 before the suspects were eventually caught.
Following their arrest, the suspects were transferred to the Nigerian Police Force at Ishielu Police Station in Ntezi and have since been arraigned before the Ebonyi State High Court.
The transmission company also disclosed that investigations are continuing to identify and apprehend other suspected accomplices who remain at large.
Condemning the act, TCN described the incident as economic sabotage capable of disrupting electricity supply and damaging vital national infrastructure serving Ebonyi State and neighboring communities.
The company commended the swift response of Ezza Umuhuali youths and local vigilante members for their role in assisting security efforts.
TCN also urged host communities nationwide to stay vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around transmission facilities to security agencies or nearby TCN offices.
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