The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps arrested Isaac Zegbe, a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, and other suspects over the alleged vandalism and theft of electricity cables valued at over N350 million.
Zegbe, aged 25, was arrested alongside his accomplices by operatives of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad. The intelligence-driven operations covered the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger and Kaduna states.
Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, disclosed the arrests on Monday. He spoke during a press parade at the Corps’ national headquarters in Abuja and at the crime scene in Yangoji, Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
Afolabi stated that the suspects vandalised over 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors running from Yangoji to Abaji. The stolen cables were subsequently distributed to marketers in various markets across the FCT.
“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,” Afolabi said.
Following a sting operation, the NSCDC recovered a significant quantity of the vandalised cables at Gudu Market in Abuja. Operatives also arrested suspected receivers of the stolen materials.
One of the suspects, identified as Chijoke Christian, allegedly purchased the stolen cables knowingly. The Corps obtained a court order to seal shops linked to the purchase of the aluminium conductors.
The suspects faced additional allegations connected to other crimes uncovered during the same operations. Investigations continued as the NSCDC prepared to charge the arrested individuals to court.
