The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Isaac Zegbe, and other suspects over the alleged vandalism and theft of electricity cables valued at more than N350 million.

Zegbe, 25, was arrested alongside other members of the alleged syndicate during intelligence-driven operations conducted across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger and Kaduna states.

The NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, disclosed the arrests on Monday during a press parade at the Corps’ headquarters in Abuja and at the scene of the alleged cable vandalism in Yangoji, Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

Afolabi said the suspects allegedly vandalised more than 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors running from Yangoji to Abaji, with the stolen cables subsequently distributed to dealers in markets across the FCT.

He said the Corps recovered a substantial quantity of the cables during a sting operation at Gudu Market, Abuja, where suspected receivers were also arrested.

One of those arrested, identified as Chijoke Christian, was accused of knowingly purchasing the stolen cables.

The NSCDC said it had obtained a court order to seal shops belonging to merchants linked to the purchase of the stolen aluminium conductors.

Afolabi said the operation was part of the Corps’ efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure and curb vandalism and other criminal activities.

In a separate operation, the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad also dismantled a four-man syndicate allegedly involved in stealing Toyota vehicles in the FCT and neighbouring states.

The Corps said other suspects were arrested for alleged armed robbery, power cable vandalism and the theft of 15 tractor batteries belonging to the National Agricultural Seeds Council in Kwali.

Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, 16 rounds of ammunition, N70,000 cash, a stolen Toyota Camry, cut armoured electrical cables, tractor batteries, master keys, cutting tools, knives and a stolen travel bag.

Afolabi said all suspects would be charged to court after investigations and once a prima facie case had been established.