The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and several other suspects over the alleged vandalism and theft of electricity cables valued at more than N350 million.
The 25-year-old former AEDC worker, Isaac Zegbe, was arrested alongside his alleged accomplices by operatives of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad during intelligence-led operations across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger and Kaduna states.
The NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this on Monday during a press parade at the Corps’ national headquarters in Abuja and at the scene of the alleged cable vandalism in Yangoji, Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
Afolabi said the suspects allegedly vandalised more than 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors along the Yangoji-Abaji axis, with the stolen cables subsequently distributed to marketers across various markets in the FCT.
He said the operation was part of the Corps’ efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure and tackle criminal activities.
Following a sting operation, NSCDC operatives reportedly recovered a significant quantity of the vandalised cables at Gudu Market, Abuja, and arrested suspected receivers.
One of the suspects, Chijoke Christian, was accused of knowingly purchasing the stolen cables. Afolabi said the Corps had secured a court order to seal the shops of merchants allegedly linked to the purchase of the stolen aluminium conductors.
In a separate operation, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad reportedly dismantled a four-man syndicate allegedly involved in the theft of Toyota vehicles in the FCT and neighbouring states.
The suspects were identified as Adamu Yusuf, Hassan Bukar, Adamu Musa, also known as Yellow, and Abdulsalam Isa, aka Kada.
Operatives also arrested four suspected members of an armed robbery gang identified as Nuhu Ndam, Ponbin Lamkur, Yilcwat Sohdan and Ganpyal Dul.
An AK-47 rifle, 16 rounds of 7.62x39mm live ammunition and N70,000 cash were reportedly recovered from the suspects.
The NSCDC also announced the recovery of Micaiah Nana, the last of 16 children allegedly trafficked by Archibong Anderson on January 15, 2026.
According to the Corps, individuals accused of purchasing the children have been arrested and are assisting investigators.
Other suspects arrested included Bilyaminu Musa and Abba Yusuf, who were allegedly involved in the vandalism of power cables in Abuja city centre, and Theophilus Oche Oboii, who was arrested over the alleged theft of 15 tractor batteries belonging to the National Agricultural Seeds Council in Kwali.
The NSCDC said the batteries were allegedly sold for N20,000 each.
Other items recovered during the operations included a stolen Toyota Camry with registration number YAB 163 EE, cut armoured electrical cables, 15 tractor batteries, master keys, cutting tools, knives and a stolen travel bag containing clothing.
Afolabi assured that the Corps would continue to intensify efforts to prevent criminal activities and deny criminals safe havens.
He added that all suspects would be charged to court after investigations are concluded and a prima facie case is established.
“All suspects will be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations and the establishment of a prima facie case against them,” he said.
