RismadarVoice Reporters
September 15, 2026
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Isaac Zegbe, and several other suspects over the alleged vandalism and theft of electricity cables valued at more than N350 million.
Zegbe, 25, was arrested 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 briefing and parade at the Corps’ national headquarters in Abuja and at the location 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 along the Yangoji-Abaji route, with the stolen cables subsequently distributed to suspected buyers and marketers operating in different markets across the FCT.
The Corps said the operation was part of its continuing efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure and disrupt organised criminal networks involved in the theft and illegal disposal of electricity equipment.
Following a sting operation at Gudu Market in Abuja, NSCDC operatives reportedly recovered a significant quantity of the vandalised electrical cables and arrested suspected receivers.
One of the suspects, identified as Chijoke Christian, was accused of knowingly purchasing the stolen cables. The NSCDC said a court order had subsequently been obtained to seal shops belonging to merchants allegedly linked to the purchase and distribution of the stolen aluminium conductors.
The Corps said investigations were continuing to establish the full network involved in the alleged theft, transportation, purchase and resale of the cables.
In a separate operation, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad also dismantled an alleged four-man syndicate suspected of specialising 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, alias Kada.
The NSCDC also announced the arrest of four other suspects allegedly linked to an armed robbery gang. They were identified as Nuhu Ndam, Ponbin Lamkur, Yilcwat Sohdan and Ganpyal Dul.
An AK-47 rifle with serial number 3152097, 16 rounds of 7.62x39mm live ammunition and N70,000 cash were reportedly recovered during the operation.
The Corps further disclosed that its operatives recovered Micaiah Nana, the last of 16 children allegedly trafficked by Archibong Anderson on January 15, 2026.
According to the NSCDC, individuals suspected of purchasing the child had been arrested and were assisting investigators as authorities continued to unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged trafficking operation.
Other suspects arrested during the operations included Bilyaminu Musa and Abba Yusuf, who were accused of vandalising power 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 Corps said the batteries were allegedly sold for N20,000 each.
Other items recovered during the various operations included a Toyota Camry allegedly reported stolen, 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.
The NSCDC said the arrests and recoveries demonstrated its intensified efforts to disrupt criminal networks targeting public infrastructure, vehicles, agricultural equipment and other critical assets.
Afolabi said the Corps would continue to deny criminal elements safe havens and strengthen intelligence-led operations against organised crime.
He added that the suspects would be prosecuted after investigations were concluded and sufficient evidence established a prima facie case.
The latest arrests come amid continuing concerns over the impact of electricity infrastructure vandalism on power distribution and service reliability. The theft of conductors and other electrical equipment can disrupt electricity supply, impose replacement costs on distribution companies and expose communities to additional safety risks.
The NSCDC said investigations into the suspects and recovered items were ongoing, with further legal action expected upon completion of the investigations.
