NSCDC arrests ex-AEDC staff, 12 others over N350m electricity cable vandalism

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended a former Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) employee and 12 accomplices. The individuals are suspected of vandalizing electricity cables worth over N350 million in Abuja and engaging in car theft, armed robbery, and human trafficking across the FCT and surrounding states.

Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi disclosed the arrests during a parade at the NSCDC's National Headquarters in Abuja and a crime scene in Yangoji, Kwali Area Council. The operations spanned the FCT and six other Nigerian states.

One suspect, 25-year-old Isaac Zegbe, a former AEDC worker, allegedly collaborated with accomplices to deface more than 15 kilometers of aluminum conductors between Yangoji and Abaji. The stolen cables were valued at more than N350 million and were later sold to buyers across the FCT.

Following a sting operation, the NSCDC recovered a significant amount of the vandalized cables at Gudu Market and apprehended suspected buyers. One of the suspects, Chijoke Christian, admitted to knowingly purchasing the stolen cables. The Corps obtained a court order to seal the shops of merchants linked to the purchases.

Additionally, the NSCDC uncovered a syndicate involved in stealing Toyota vehicles across the FCT and neighboring regions, consisting of Adamu Yusuf, Hassan Bukar, Adamu Musa (Yellow), and Abdulsalam Isa (Kada). Furthermore, four suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in an armed robbery gang, who were found with an AK-47 rifle, 16 rounds of ammunition, and N70,000 cash.

The NSCDC also made progress in a human trafficking investigation, recovering Micaiah Nana - the final of 16 children allegedly sold by Archibong Anderson on January 15, 2026. The buyers of the child have been apprehended and are aiding the investigation. Other suspects arrested included Bilyaminu Musa, Abba Yusuf, and Theophilus Oche Oboii, who were tied to vandalism of power cables and theft of tractor batteries.

Items recovered from the operations included a stolen Toyota Camry, cut armoured electrical cables, tractor batteries, master keys, cutting tools, knives, and a travel bag containing clothes. Afolabi emphasized that the NSCDC will persist in targeting criminal networks that engage in the theft and destruction of critical infrastructure.