The Transmission Company of Nigeria has foiled an attempted theft at its 330/132kV transmission substation in Bauchi, recovering critical transmission tower components and a vehicle allegedly used by suspected vandals.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the company’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the incident occurred on Friday, July 24, 2026, when security personnel on duty intercepted suspected vandals attempting to remove critical tower members from the substation.
Mbah said the suspects abandoned the operation and fled the scene immediately after sighting the security guards.
She stated, “Security personnel at the substation intercepted suspected vandals attempting to remove critical tower members. The suspects fled the scene on sighting the guards.”
She added that a subsequent inspection of the area led to the recovery of 12 transmission tower angle irons, a heavy-duty metal measuring scale, and a white pickup truck believed to have been used in the attempted theft.
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According to the statement, the recovered materials and the vehicle have been handed over to the Railway Division Police Station in Bauchi for further investigation.
Mbah noted that no equipment was stolen and no injuries were recorded during the incident. “No equipment was carted away, and no injuries were recorded during the incident,” she said.
The TCN spokesperson commended the prompt response and vigilance of the security personnel, saying their swift action prevented damage to critical electricity transmission infrastructure.
She also urged residents of host communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around power installations to security agencies or the nearest TCN office, stressing that public cooperation is vital to safeguarding the nation’s power infrastructure.
