A suspected vandal has been arrested while allegedly attempting to damage a transmission tower along the Benin–Onitsha 330kV Transmission Line.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended by members of the Omelu Community Vigilante during a routine security patrol after he was allegedly discovered beneath one of the high-voltage transmission towers tampering with its base bracing.
His arrest is believed to have prevented possible damage to the critical power infrastructure, which plays an important role in electricity transmission to parts of the country.
Following the arrest, the suspect was handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Authorities have urged communities located around power installations to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving critical infrastructure.
They also warned that vandalising public power facilities is a serious criminal offence capable of disrupting electricity supply and causing significant damage to national assets.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing.
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