The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says security operatives and local vigilantes have foiled an attempt to vandalise towers T297, T298, and T299 on the Mando–Jos 330kV transmission line.
In a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja, TCN general manager of public affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said the suspects and alleged buyers were arrested on October 5 during the failed operation.
She disclosed that although the vandals had already removed some tower members, which compromised the structures’ integrity, the transmission line fortunately remained intact and did not collapse.
To prevent system failure, TCN engineers had begun emergency reinforcement works on the affected towers to restore structural integrity and ensure continued transmission of bulk power through the corridor.
“These efforts are aimed at restoring full stability and ensuring uninterrupted power delivery along the Mando–Jos power transmission corridor,” Ms Mbah stated.
She commended the swift intervention of security operatives and the host community, whose actions directly led to the arrest of both the vandals and their suspected buyers in the area.
According to her, the arrested suspects are currently in police custody in Saminaka, Kaduna State, where investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the sabotage and recover stolen materials.
TCN urged communities nationwide to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near transmission infrastructure to local security agencies or the nearest TCN office to prevent future incidents.
Ms Mbah reiterated TCN’s commitment to working with security forces to safeguard national transmission assets and ensure efficient, stable, and reliable electricity supply across Nigeria’s power network.
(NAN)