TCN, Police Arrest Suspect Over Vandalism of Six Transmission Towers on Yola–Jalingo Power Line

By Jabiru Hassan

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says a suspect has been arrested in connection with the vandalism of six transmission towers along the Yola–Jalingo 330kV transmission line.In a statement, TCN said the damaged towers—numbered T995, T998, T999, T1002, T1003 and T1004—were discovered during a routine patrol by its engineers on July 29, 2026. According to the company, vandals removed about 130 critical bracing members, compromising the structural integrity of the affected towers.

TCN said it carried out a joint operation with the Nigeria Police Force on July 30 in the host community, where traditional and youth leaders were urged to assist in identifying those responsible. The company added that on August 1, the police informed it that a principal suspect had been arrested and that some of the stolen tower components had been recovered.

TCN officials subsequently visited the site to verify the recovered materials and called for the prosecution of the suspect in accordance with the law. The company said the police are continuing investigations and are pursuing other individuals believed to be connected to the alleged vandalism.

Condemning attacks on electricity infrastructure, TCN said such incidents threaten investments in the power sector and the reliability of electricity supply. It urged host communities and the public to report suspicious activities around transmission facilities to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.