The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has apprehended a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Isaac Zegbe, alongside other suspects over the alleged theft and vandalism of electricity cables estimated at more than N350m.
Zegbe, 25, was arrested during intelligence-led operations conducted by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad across the Federal Capital Territory and six other states.
The states include Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger and Kaduna.
The NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, disclosed the arrests on Monday while parading the suspects at the Corps’ headquarters in Abuja and inspecting the scene of the alleged cable vandalism in Yangoji, Kwali Area Council.
According to Afolabi, the suspects allegedly removed more than 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors installed along the Yangoji-Abaji route.
He said the stolen materials were later moved into different markets within the FCT for sale.
Afolabi 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 carried out a sting operation at Gudu Market in Abuja, where a large quantity of the allegedly stolen cables was recovered.
Some suspected buyers were arrested during the operation, including Chijoke Christian, who was accused of knowingly purchasing the stolen materials.
Afolabi further disclosed that the NSCDC had obtained a court order to shut shops belonging to traders allegedly involved in the purchase of the stolen 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.
The arrests, according to the Corps, are part of its wider crackdown on the vandalism of critical national infrastructure and other criminal activities.
In another operation, the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad reportedly dismantled a four-member syndicate accused of stealing Toyota vehicles in the FCT and neighbouring states.
Those arrested were identified as Adamu Yusuf, Hassan Bukar, Adamu Musa, popularly known as Yellow, and Abdulsalam Isa, also known as Kada.
Four other suspects — Nuhu Ndam, Ponbin Lamkur, Yilcwat Sohdan and Ganpyal Dul — were also arrested over alleged armed robbery.
The NSCDC said an AK-47 rifle, 16 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition and N70,000 cash were recovered from the suspects.
The Corps also announced the recovery of Micaiah Nana, the last of 16 children allegedly trafficked by Archibong Anderson on January 15, 2026.
According to the NSCDC, those allegedly involved in purchasing the child have been arrested and are currently helping with the investigation.
Other suspects included Bilyaminu Musa and Abba Yusuf, who were allegedly involved in the vandalism of electricity cables in Abuja city centre.
Another suspect, 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.
Among the items recovered by the operatives were 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 clothes.
Afolabi said the Corps would continue its operations against criminals and prevent them from using any part of the country as a safe haven.
He added that the suspects would be taken to court after the completion of investigations.
He said, “All suspects will be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations and the establishment of a prima facie case.”
