The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested a former Abuja Electricity Distribution Company employee, Isaac Zegbe, and other suspects in connection with the alleged theft and vandalism of electricity cables valued at more than N350m.
Zegbe, 25, was apprehended alongside alleged accomplices during intelligence-led operations conducted by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger and Kaduna states.
The NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, disclosed the arrests on Monday during a press parade at the corps’ national headquarters in Abuja and at the scene of the alleged vandalism in Yangoji, Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
Afolabi said the suspects were responsible for vandalising more than 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors along the Yangoji-Abaji route, with the stolen cables allegedly supplied to marketers operating in different markets within the FCT.
He said, “As part of ongoing operational successes to safeguard Critical National Assets and Infrastructure and eradicate crime, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested Isaac Zegbe, 25, a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, alongside his accomplices, who vandalised over 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors running from Yangoji to Abaji, valued at over N350m.”
The corps also recovered a substantial quantity of the allegedly stolen cables at Gudu Market, Abuja, following a sting operation, during which suspected receivers were arrested.
One of those arrested, Chijoke Christian, was accused of knowingly purchasing the stolen cables.
Afolabi said the corps had obtained a court order to seal shops belonging to merchants allegedly involved in the purchase of the vandalised aluminium cables.
“The stolen cables were subsequently distributed to marketers across several FCT markets.
Following a targeted sting operation, NSCDC operatives recovered a significant volume of vandalised electrical cables at Gudu Market and arrested suspected receivers, including Chijoke Christian, who confessed to knowingly purchasing the stolen cables.
The Corps has secured a court order to seal off the shops of all merchants linked to buying stolen aluminium cables”, Afolabi said.
In another operation, the CG’s SIS arrested a four-man syndicate allegedly involved in stealing 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.
Four other suspects — Nuhu Ndam, Ponbin Lamkur, Yilcwat Sohdan and Ganpyal Dul — were also arrested over alleged armed robbery.
The corps said an AK-47 rifle marked 3152097, 16 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition and N70,000 cash were recovered from the suspects.
The NSCDC also announced the recovery of Micaiah Nana, the 16th and final child allegedly trafficked by Archibong Anderson on January 15, 2026.
According to the corps, those suspected of purchasing the child had been arrested and were assisting with the investigation.
Other suspects arrested included Bilyaminu Musa and Abba Yusuf, who were accused of vandalising power cables in Abuja city centre, as well as 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.
Among the items recovered during the operations were a Toyota Camry with registration number YAB 163 EE, cut armoured electrical cables, 15 tractor batteries, master keys, cutting tools, knives and a travel bag containing clothing.
Afolabi said the corps would continue its efforts to prevent criminal elements from operating freely, adding that all suspects would be prosecuted after investigations.
He said, “All suspects will be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations and the establishment of a prima facie case against them.”
