Five suspected vandals have been arrested by local vigilantes in the Upu Community within Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria, for vandalising the Otukpo–Yandev 132kV single-circuit transmission line on November 3, 2025.
A statement issued by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspects were caught in the act while vandalising towers N16 and N17 in the ASA 3 Community. Damage from the incident reportedly extended to eight additional towers along the line.
The suspects, along with dismembered parts of the towers and other recovered materials, have been handed over to the Benue State Police Command for investigation and prosecution.
Meanwhile, TCN says the damaged section of the line has been isolated, and bulk power has been restored to the Yandev, Wukari, Takum, and Kashimbila Transmission Substations through the Apir Substation. The Otukpo Substation is currently being back-fed from the New Haven Substation.
TCN commended the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, community leaders, youths, and members of the local vigilante group for their support in facilitating the arrest.
The company also pledged to sustain its collaboration with the community to safeguard critical transmission infrastructure in the area.
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