NSCDC Arrests Ex-AEDC Worker Over N350m Cable Theft

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a former Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) worker over alleged cable vandalism.

The suspect, Isaac Zegbe, 25, allegedly worked with accomplices to steal electricity cables worth more than N350 million.

Operatives of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad arrested Zegbe during intelligence-led operations across seven states.

The operations covered the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger and Kaduna states.

NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this on Monday.

He spoke during a press parade at the Corps’ headquarters in Abuja and at the vandalism site in Yangoji, Kwali Area Council.

According to Afolabi, the suspects vandalised more than 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors between Yangoji and Abaji.

The stolen cables reportedly found their way into markets across the FCT through suspected cable dealers.

The NSCDC later recovered a large quantity of the cables during a sting operation at Gudu Market, Abuja.

Operatives also arrested suspected receivers, including Chijoke Christian, who allegedly admitted knowingly buying the stolen materials.

Afolabi said the Corps had obtained a court order to seal shops belonging to merchants linked to the stolen cables.

He said the action formed part of efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure from criminal networks.

Meanwhile, the Special Intelligence Squad also dismantled a four-man syndicate allegedly involved in Toyota vehicle theft.

The syndicate allegedly operated in the FCT and neighbouring states.

The suspects are Adamu Yusuf, Hassan Bukar, Adamu Musa, also known as Yellow, and Abdulsalam Isa, aka Kada.

The Corps also arrested four suspected members of an armed robbery gang during another operation.

They are Nuhu Ndam, Ponbin Lamkur, Yilcwat Sohdan and Ganpyal Dul.

Operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, 16 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition and N70,000 from the suspects.

In another development, the Corps recovered Micaiah Nana, the last of 16 children allegedly trafficked by Archibong Anderson.

The NSCDC said Anderson allegedly trafficked the children on January 15, 2026.

It added that those who allegedly bought the children had been arrested and were assisting investigators.

Other suspects included Bilyaminu Musa and Abba Yusuf, who allegedly vandalised power cables in central Abuja.

The Corps also arrested Theophilus Oche Oboii over the alleged theft of 15 tractor batteries in Kwali.

The batteries reportedly belonged to the National Agricultural Seeds Council and were allegedly sold for N20,000 each.

Among the items recovered were a stolen Toyota Camry, cut armoured cables, tractor batteries and master keys.

Operatives also recovered cutting tools, knives and a stolen travel bag containing clothing.

Afolabi assured Nigerians that the Corps would continue to pursue criminals involved in attacks on critical infrastructure.

He said the suspects would face prosecution after investigators complete their work and establish prima facie cases.