N350m Cable Heist: Ex-AEDC Staff, Syndicate Apprehended by NSCDC

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced the apprehension of Isaac Zegbe, a 25-year-old former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), along with several other individuals. They are accused of involvement in the large-scale vandalism and theft of electricity cables, estimated to be worth over N350 million.

According to Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, the National Public Relations Officer for the NSCDC, these arrests were made by operatives from the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad. The intelligence-led operations spanned various states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger, and Kaduna. Afolabi revealed these details during a press briefing held on Monday at the Corps’ national headquarters in Abuja, and subsequently at the scene of the cable vandalism in Yangoji, located within the Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

Afolabi elaborated that the syndicate was responsible for damaging more than 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors that stretched from Yangoji to Abaji. The stolen cables were then allegedly distributed to various marketers operating in markets across the FCT.

He stated, "As part of ongoing operational successes to safeguard Critical National Assets and Infrastructure and eradicate crime, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested Isaac Zegbe, 25, a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, alongside his accomplices, who vandalised over 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors running from Yangoji to Abaji, valued at over N350m."

Following a targeted sting operation, NSCDC personnel successfully recovered a substantial quantity of the vandalised cables at Gudu Market in Abuja. Several suspected receivers were also taken into custody, including Chijoke Christian, who reportedly confessed to knowingly purchasing the illicit cables. The Corps has since secured a court order to seal the business premises of all merchants found to be involved in the acquisition of the stolen aluminium cables.

Afolabi further confirmed, "The stolen cables were subsequently distributed to marketers across several FCT markets. Following a targeted sting operation, NSCDC operatives recovered a significant volume of vandalised 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 aluminium cables."

These arrests underscore the NSCDC's continuous commitment to safeguarding critical national infrastructure and combating criminal activities nationwide.

In a separate operation, the CG’s SIS also dismantled a four-member syndicate specializing in the theft of Toyota vehicles across the FCT and neighbouring regions. The suspects were identified as Adamu Yusuf, Hassan Bukar, Adamu Musa (also known as Yellow), and Abdulsalam Isa (alias Kada). Furthermore, four individuals suspected of armed robbery, namely Nuhu Ndam, Ponbin Lamkur, Yilcwat Sohdan, and Ganpyal Dul, were apprehended. From them, an AK-47 rifle (serial number 3152097), 16 rounds of 7.62x39mm live ammunition, and N70,000 in cash were recovered.

The NSCDC also reported the successful recovery of Micaiah Nana, who was the last of 16 children allegedly trafficked by Archibong Anderson on January 15, 2026. Those implicated in the purchase of the child have been arrested and are currently assisting investigators.

Additional suspects taken into custody include Bilyaminu Musa and Abba Yusuf, for allegedly vandalising power cables in Abuja's city centre, and Theophilus Oche Oboii, accused of stealing 15 tractor batteries belonging to the National Agricultural Seeds Council in Kwali, which he reportedly sold for N20,000 each.

Items recovered during these operations included a stolen Toyota Camry with registration number YAB 163 EE, sections of cut armoured electrical cables, 15 tractor batteries, master keys, various cutting tools, knives, and a stolen travel bag containing clothing.

Afolabi reiterated the Corps' resolve to eliminate safe havens for criminals, assuring the public that all suspects would be formally charged in court once investigations are concluded and a prima facie case is established against them. He affirmed, "All suspects will be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations and the establishment of a prima facie case against them."