The vigilantes discovered that the suspect was allegedly attempting to loosen the base bracing of the tower when they apprehended him
By Moses Okorie
A suspected vandal has been arrested while allegedly attempting to tamper with a transmission tower along the Benin–Onitsha 330kV Transmission Line in Edo State.
The arrest was carried out by members of the Omelu Community Vigilante at about 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2026, during a routine patrol in the community.
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Humphry Anala, an indigene of Auchi, Edo State, and resident of Benin City, was reportedly spotted acting suspiciously beneath one of the transmission towers.
According to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the vigilantes discovered that the suspect was allegedly attempting to loosen the base bracing of the tower when they apprehended him.
He was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), where he is currently being detained as investigations continue.
TCN said the suspect could face prosecution after the completion of investigations and his arraignment before a court.
The company further disclosed that preliminary findings showed that Anala had allegedly been arrested by the same community about two months ago over a similar incident.
He was reportedly released after appealing for leniency and undergoing medical treatment but was allegedly caught again while attempting a similar act.
TCN commended the Omelu Community Vigilante for its alertness and quick response, describing the intervention as an important contribution towards protecting critical national infrastructure.
The company also praised the NSCDC for its continued partnership in securing transmission facilities across the country.
TCN warned that attacks on electricity infrastructure could disrupt power supply and undermine efforts to improve the nation’s electricity system.
It therefore appealed to communities hosting its facilities and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly alert security agencies or TCN offices whenever suspicious activities are observed around transmission towers, substations or other power installations.