Operations across Abuja and six states also uncover AK-47, stolen vehicles, electrical cables and tractor batteries
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested and paraded 13 suspects allegedly linked to cable vandalism, armed robbery, car theft and human trafficking during intelligence-led operations across the Federal Capital Territory and six states.
The arrests were carried out by the Corps’ Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) in the FCT, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger and Kaduna states.
The NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, disclosed the arrests during a press briefing and parade at the Corps’ headquarters in Abuja and at a crime scene in Yangoji, Kwali Area Council. The latest reports were published on September 16, 2026, making this a current story rather than an old report.
One of the major cases involved 25-year-old Isaac Zegbe, a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
According to the NSCDC, Zegbe allegedly worked with accomplices to vandalise more than 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors along the Yangoji-Abaji route.
The Corps valued the vandalised conductors at more than ₦350 million and said the cables were subsequently distributed to suspected buyers and marketers in markets across the FCT.
Following a sting operation at Gudu Market, NSCDC operatives recovered a quantity of the suspected stolen cables and arrested alleged receivers, including Chijoke Christian, whom the Corps said admitted knowingly purchasing stolen cables.
The NSCDC also said it obtained a court order to seal shops belonging to merchants linked to the purchase of the aluminium conductors.
The intelligence operation also led to the arrest of four men whom the NSCDC accused of belonging to a syndicate involved in stealing Toyota vehicles in the FCT and neighbouring states.
They were identified as Adamu Yusuf, Hassan Bukar, Adamu Musa, also known as “Yellow”, and Abdulsalam Isa, also known as “Kada”.
A stolen Toyota Camry, with registration number YAB 163 EE, was among the items recovered during the operations.
The Corps also announced the arrest of four suspected members of an armed robbery gang identified as Nuhu Ndam, Ponbin Lamkur, Yilcwat Sohdan and Ganpyal Dul.
According to the NSCDC, operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, 16 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition and ₦70,000 in cash.
Other recovered items included master keys, cutting tools, knives and a stolen travel bag containing clothing.
The operation also produced a development in a human-trafficking investigation.
Afolabi said operatives recovered Micaiah Nana, described by the Corps as the last of 16 children allegedly trafficked by Archibong Anderson on January 15, 2026.
The NSCDC said individuals who allegedly purchased the child had been detained and were assisting investigators.
The Corps also reported the arrest of Bilyaminu Musa and Abba Yusuf over alleged power-cable vandalism in Abuja city centre.
Another suspect, Theophilus Oche Oboii, was arrested over the alleged theft of 15 tractor batteries belonging to the National Agricultural Seeds Council in Kwali. The NSCDC said the batteries were allegedly sold for ₦20,000 each. (
The NSCDC said the operations formed part of its efforts to protect Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) and disrupt organised criminal activities.
Afolabi said the Corps would continue intelligence-driven operations against criminal networks and assured that suspects would be charged after investigations are completed and a prima facie case is established.