The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has made significant strides in combatting infrastructure vandalism by arresting a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) alongside 12 other suspects. These individuals are accused of vandalizing electricity cables valued at over N350 million in Abuja, as well as being involved in other criminal activities including car theft, armed robbery, and human trafficking.

During a press briefing at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, the Corps' National Public Relations Officer, detailed the operations conducted by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS). The arrests took place across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and several neighboring states, including Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger, and Kaduna.

Among those arrested is 25-year-old Isaac Zegbe, a former AEDC staff member, who allegedly collaborated with his accomplices to vandalize more than 15 kilometers of aluminum conductors between Yangoji and Abaji. These stolen cables were reportedly sold to various buyers across the FCT. Following a sting operation, NSCDC operatives recovered a substantial amount of the vandalized cables at Gudu Market, leading to the apprehension of individuals involved in the distribution of the stolen goods. One suspect, Chijoke Christian, reportedly confessed to purchasing the stolen cables knowingly.

In addition to the cable vandalism, the NSCDC's intelligence operations led to the dismantling of a four-man syndicate involved in the theft of Toyota vehicles across the region. The suspects, identified as Adamu Yusuf, Hassan Bukar, Adamu Musa, and Abdulsalam Isa, were apprehended while the Corps recovered an AK-47 rifle, 16 rounds of ammunition, and N70,000 in cash from their possession.

Furthermore, the NSCDC reported a breakthrough in a human trafficking case, successfully recovering Micaiah Nana, the last of 16 children allegedly trafficked by Archibong Anderson earlier this year. The individuals who allegedly purchased the child have been arrested and are cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

Other arrests included Bilyaminu Musa and Abba Yusuf, who were implicated in power cable vandalism in the Abuja city center. Theophilus Oche Oboii was also arrested for allegedly stealing 15 tractor batteries from the National Agricultural Seeds Council in Kwali, which were sold for N20,000 each.

Afolabi emphasized the NSCDC's commitment to eradicating criminal networks that threaten critical national infrastructure, stating that the Corps will continue to pursue those involved in the theft and destruction of such assets. The operations reflect a broader initiative to safeguard essential services and maintain public safety across the nation.