The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has lauded the Omelu Community vigilante for the arrest of a suspected vandal on the Benin–Onitsha 330 Kilovolts (kV) Transmission Line.

The TCN management in a statement in Abuja on Thursday said that the vandal was allegedly attempting to vandalise a transmission tower.

It said that the vigilance of the vigilance group and swift response led to the arrest of the suspect.

It stated, “The incident occurred at about 2:30 am on August 2 during a routine patrol by members of the Omelu Community Vigilante, who noticed a suspicious individual beneath one of TCN’s transmission towers.

”The suspect, an indigene of Auchi, Edo, residing in Benin City, was allegedly attempting to loosen the tower base bracing when he was apprehended.

“Following his arrest, the suspect was handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation. He remains in the custody of the Corps and is expected to be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigation.”

According to the statement, preliminary findings indicate that the suspect had reportedly been apprehended by members of the same community about two months earlier for a similar alleged offence.

It said that on that occasion, he was reportedly released after pleading for leniency following medical treatment, only to be apprehended again for an alleged repeat offence.

It noted, “The company commends the vigilance and sustained commitment of the community in protecting critical national infrastructure. It also appreciates the continued collaboration of the corps in safeguarding the nation’s transmission assets.

“The company strongly condemns all acts of vandalism and sabotage against power transmission infrastructure and calls on host communities and members of the public to remain vigilant.

“Promptly report any suspicious activities around transmission towers, substations, and other power installations to the nearest security agency or TCN office.”

(NAN)