₦350m Cable Theft: NSCDC Arrests Ex-AEDC Worker, 12 Others Across 7 States
As part of ongoing operational successes to safeguard Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) and eradicate crime, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested and paraded over 13 suspects involved in high-profile offenses, including cable vandalism, armed robbery, car theft and human trafficking.
National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, disclosed during a press parade at the National Headquarters in Abuja and at a crime scene in Yangoji, Kwali Area Council, that the arrests were executed by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS). The operations spanned the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger and Kaduna States.
Among the primary breakthroughs was the arrest of Isaac Zegbe, 25, a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). Zegbe, alongside his accomplices, vandalized over 15 kilometers of aluminum conductors running from Yangoji to Abaji, valued at over ₦350 million. The stolen cables were subsequently distributed to marketers across several FCT markets. Following a targeted sting operation, NSCDC operatives recovered a significant volume of vandalized 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 aluminum cables.
Intelligence-driven operations also dismantled a four-man car theft syndicate specializing in Toyota vehicles across the FCT and neighboring states. The suspects were identified as Adamu Yusuf, Hassan Bukar, Adamu Musa (aka “Yellow”), and Abdulsalam Isa (aka “Kada”).
Additionally, an armed robbery gang comprising Nuhu Ndam, Ponbin Lamkur, Yilcwat Sohdan, and Ganpyal Dul was apprehended. Operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle (Serial No. 3152097), 16 rounds of 7.62x39mm live ammunition, and ₦70,000 in cash from the group.
In a notable human trafficking investigation, the CG’s SIS successfully recovered Micaiah Nana the last of 16 children trafficked by Archibong Anderson on January 15, 2026. The individuals who purchased the child have been detained and are assisting investigators.
Other suspects arrested in separate operations include Bilyaminu Musa and Abba Yusuf for power cable vandalism within the Abuja city center, and Theophilus Oche Oboii for the theft of 15 tractor batteries from the National Agricultural Seeds Council in Kwali, which he sold for ₦20,000 each.
Key items recovered during the multi-state operations include a stolen Toyota Camry (Reg No: YAB 163 EE), cut armored electrical cables, 15 tractor batteries, master keys, cutting tools, knives, and a stolen travel bag with clothing.
Assuring the public that the Corps will leave no safe haven for criminal elements, ACC Babawale Afolabi stated that all suspects will be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations and the establishment of a prima facie case against them.
