The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Isaac Zegbe, and other suspects over the alleged theft and vandalism of electricity cables worth more than N350m.
Zegbe, 25, was arrested alongside alleged accomplices during intelligence-driven operations conducted 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 cable vandalism in Yangoji, Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
According to Afolabi, the suspects allegedly vandalised more than 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors running from Yangoji to Abaji. The stolen cables were subsequently distributed to marketers across several markets in the FCT.
“Isaac Zegbe, 25, a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, alongside his accomplices, vandalised over 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors running from Yangoji to Abaji, valued at over N350m,” Afolabi said.
The Corps said a targeted sting operation at Gudu Market, Abuja, led to the recovery of a significant quantity of the vandalised cables and the arrest of suspected receivers.
One of those arrested, Chijoke Christian, was accused of knowingly purchasing the stolen cables.
Afolabi said the NSCDC had obtained a court order to seal the shops of merchants linked to the purchase of the stolen aluminium cables.
In a separate operation, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad 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.
Four suspected members of an armed robbery gang were also arrested. They were identified as Nuhu Ndam, Ponbin Lamkur, Yilcwat Sohdan and Ganpyal Dul.
The NSCDC said an AK-47 rifle, 16 rounds of 7.62x39mm live ammunition and N70,000 cash were recovered from the suspects.
The Corps also disclosed the recovery of Micaiah Nana, the last of 16 children allegedly trafficked by Archibong Anderson on January 15, 2026. It said individuals accused of purchasing the child had been arrested and were assisting investigators.
Other suspects arrested included Bilyaminu Musa and Abba Yusuf, who were accused of vandalising 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.
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 said the NSCDC would continue its efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure and prevent criminal activities across the country.
He added that all suspects would be charged to court after investigations and once a prima facie case had been established.
