The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company and several other suspects over the alleged theft and vandalism of electricity cables estimated at more than N350m.
The former AEDC worker, identified as 25-year-old Isaac Zegbe, was arrested alongside alleged accomplices during intelligence-led operations conducted across the Federal Capital Territory and six neighbouring states.
The affected states are Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger and Kaduna.
The NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing at the Corps’ headquarters in Abuja and at the site of the alleged vandalism in Yangoji, Kwali Area Council.
Afolabi said the suspects were allegedly responsible for the removal of more than 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors installed along the Yangoji-Abaji route.
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.”
According to the Corps, the stolen cables were subsequently supplied to various buyers and marketers operating in markets within the FCT.
Following a sting operation at Gudu Market, Abuja, NSCDC operatives recovered a substantial quantity of the allegedly stolen cables and arrested suspected receivers.
One of those arrested, identified as Chijoke Christian, was accused of knowingly purchasing the vandalised cables.
Afolabi said the Corps had obtained a court order to shut shops belonging to merchants allegedly involved in the purchase of the stolen materials.
He stated, “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 NSCDC spokesman added that investigations were ongoing into the alleged cable theft and vandalism.
In another operation, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad reportedly dismantled a four-man syndicate accused of stealing Toyota vehicles within the FCT and neighbouring states.
The suspects were identified as Adamu Yusuf, Hassan Bukar, Adamu Musa, also known as Yellow, and Abdulsalam Isa, alias Kada.
The Corps also announced the arrest of 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 ammunition and N70,000 cash were reportedly recovered from the suspects.
Meanwhile, NSCDC operatives rescued Micaiah Nana, the last of 16 children allegedly trafficked by Archibong Anderson on January 15, 2026.
The Corps said individuals suspected of purchasing the trafficked children had been arrested and were assisting with the investigation.
Other arrests included Bilyaminu Musa and Abba Yusuf, who were accused of vandalising electricity cables in Abuja city centre, while Theophilus Oche Oboii 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.
Items recovered during the various operations included a Toyota Camry with registration number YAB 163 EE, cut armoured electrical cables, 15 tractor batteries, master keys, cutting implements, knives and a stolen travel bag containing clothing.
Afolabi assured the public that the Corps would continue its operations against individuals targeting critical national infrastructure.
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.”
