By Samuel Ike, Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recorded another major breakthrough in its nationwide fight against crime with the arrest of 13 suspects linked to cable vandalism, car theft, armed robbery and human trafficking. The arrests were made during a series of intelligence driven operations carried out across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger and Kaduna states by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS).

The National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja and at a crime scene in Yangoji, Kwali Area Council. He said the operations formed part of the Corps’ sustained efforts to protect Critical National Assets and Infrastructure and rid the country of criminal activities threatening public safety and economic development.

One of the most significant arrests involved Isaac Zegbe, a 25 year old former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), who allegedly collaborated with others to vandalise more than 15 kilometres of aluminium electrical conductors stretching from Yangoji to Abaji. The stolen cables, valued at over ₦350 million, were reportedly sold to dealers in several markets within the FCT. Acting on credible intelligence, NSCDC operatives raided Gudu Market where large quantities of vandalised cables were recovered and several suspected receivers arrested, including Chijoke Christian, who allegedly admitted purchasing the stolen items. The Corps has since obtained a court order sealing shops linked to the illegal trade.

The CG’s SIS also dismantled a four member car theft syndicate specialising in the theft of Toyota vehicles within the FCT and neighbouring states. Those arrested were identified as Adamu Yusuf, Hassan Bukar, Adamu Musa, popularly known as “Yellow”, and Abdulsalam Isa, also known as “Kada”. Investigations revealed that the group had been operating an organised vehicle theft network across several locations.

In another operation, NSCDC operatives apprehended four suspected armed robbers identified as Nuhu Ndam, Ponbin Lamkur, Yilcwat Sohdan and Ganpyal Dul. Recovered from the suspects were an AK 47 rifle with serial number 3152097, 16 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and ₦70,000 cash. The arrests, according to the Corps, dealt a significant blow to criminal activities in the affected communities.

The Corps also recorded success in a human trafficking investigation with the rescue of Micaiah Nana, the last of 16 children allegedly trafficked by one Archibong Anderson on January 15, 2026. NSCDC operatives tracked down and recovered the child, while those who allegedly purchased the victim have been taken into custody and are assisting investigators.

Other suspects arrested during the operations include Bilyaminu Musa and Abba Yusuf for alleged power cable vandalism within Abuja city centre, as well as Theophilus Oche Oboii, who allegedly stole 15 tractor batteries belonging to the National Agricultural Seeds Council in Kwali and sold them for ₦20,000 each. Recovered exhibits from the various operations include a stolen Toyota Camry with registration number YAB 163 EE, armoured electrical cables, tractor batteries, master keys, cutting equipment, knives and a stolen travel bag containing personal belongings.

Afolabi assured Nigerians that the NSCDC remains committed to denying criminals safe havens anywhere in the country. He stated that all suspects would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations and after the establishment of sufficient evidence, reaffirming the determination of the Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to strengthen the protection of national assets and ensure public safety across the federation.