Local vigilantes in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State have arrested five suspected vandals from Upu Community while they were destroying the Otukpo–Yandev 132kV Single-Circuit Transmission Line.
Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs in the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN who announced this in a statement said that the suspects were apprehended on November 3, 2025, in the act at towers N16 and N17 in ASA 3 Community. Damage extended to eight additional towers along the line.
According to the statement, “dismembered tower parts and other materials were recovered and handed over, along with the suspects, to the Benue State Police Command for investigation and prosecution.”
She confirmed that the affected section has been isolated, with bulk power restored to Yandev, Wukari, Takum, and Kashimbila substations through the Apir Substation; with Otukpo Substation now backfed from the New Heaven Substation.
TCN commended the Otukpo LGA Chairman, community leaders, youths, and vigilante members for their swift action and pledged continued collaboration to safeguard critical infrastructure.
The arrest marks a breakthrough in TCN’s ongoing campaign to curb vandalism of power assets.