NSCDC Arrests 5 Electrical Cable Vandals In Abuja, Recovers Cables

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested five suspected electrical cable vandals in separate operations across Abaji, Kubwa and Wuye in Abuja, recovering high-tension aluminium conductor cables, electrical installation wires and armoured cables.

The FCT Commandant of the Corps, Dr Olusola Odumosu, who disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja, described the arrests as part of the Corps intensified intelligence-led operations to protect critical national assets and infrastructure (CANAI) across the territory.

He explained that the arrests followed a recent operation in Kwali area council, where the command also paraded suspects in connection with the alleged vandalism of electricity cables, signalling an expanded crackdown on the theft and trafficking of electrical infrastructure.

Odumosu stated that in the Abaji operation, th command’s operatives arrested a 44-year-old man, identified as Mammud Nuhu, over the alleged unlawful possession and storage of bundles of high-tension aluminium conductor cables suspected to have been removed from electricity infrastructure in the area.

According to Odumosu, preliminary investigations indicated that two other individuals, identified only as Saifullah, 32, and Abdulrahman, 25, allegedly brought the cables to the suspect for safekeeping pending their sale to prospective buyers.

He said the two individuals are reportedly at large, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend them and identify other persons who may be connected with the alleged offence.

While explaining that Nuhu had been profiled and his statement obtained in accordance with due process, Commandant Odumosu said he was subsequently granted administrative bail to enable him to produce a credible surety, while investigations continue.

He revealed also that in a related operation in Kubwa, two 27-year-old men, identified as Amos Makama and Ibrahim Mohammed Maitama Inuwa, were arrested over the alleged vandalism and possession of electrical cables at Government Secondary School, Kubwa, popularly known as Black and White Secondary School.

Odumosu said the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, October 17, 2026, following reports of suspicious movements around the school’s perimeter.

He said , “NSCDC operatives attached to the Kubwa Base Station reportedly apprehended Makama at the scene, where a search led to the recovery of approximately 38 rolls of electrical installation cables, cut pieces of power cables concealed in a sack, a pair of pliers, a screwdriver and other items suspected to have been used in the operation.”

The commandant said preliminary investigations indicated that Makama allegedly gained access to the school through its gate in the evening, cut electrical wires in the school buildings and remained on the premises until around midnight, when he attempted to leave with the materials.

“He allegedly told investigators that he had contacted Inuwa, whom he identified as the intended buyer, and that an advance payment of N35,000 had been made for the cables.”

According to the NSCDC, its operatives subsequently contacted the alleged buyer while posing as persons offering the materials for sale. Inuwa reportedly arrived at the arranged location and was arrested.

The commandant added that both suspects allegedly admitted involvement in the business and indicated that they had been engaged in it since 2024. Their alleged admissions remain subject to the ongoing investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.

In the third incident, the FCT commandant said operatives of the Corps arrested a 20-year-old man, Suleiman Jafaru, over the alleged excavation and theft of armoured cables near Berger Roundabout along the Wuye axis of Abuja.

Odumosu said the arrest occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on October 20, 2026, after a member of the Corps’ Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department, who was on routine patrol, received information from members of a local vigilante group about suspicious activities in the area.

He said Jafaru was reportedly apprehended at the scene, with armoured cables and a digger recovered as exhibits.

Odumosu added that preliminary investigations, suggested that three persons were allegedly involved in the operation, but two escaped before they could be arrested.

The commandant said efforts were being made to establish their identities and whereabouts.

Odumosu also disclosed that Jafaru alleged he had sustained injuries after being assaulted by members of the vigilante group before being handed over to NSCDC operatives. The allegation, he said, requires appropriate documentation and verification.

The suspect was subsequently granted administrative bail, while investigations into the incident continue.

Describing the alleged offences as a threat to public safety and economic development, Odumosu warned that the theft of electricity cables goes beyond the loss of physical infrastructure.

He said cable vandalism disrupts electricity supply, imposes additional costs on households and businesses, undermines essential services and exposes members of the public to risks of electrocution and fire.

He particularly warned against the role of individuals who allegedly buy, receive, conceal or facilitate the sale of stolen electrical materials, stressing that the command would pursue not only those who remove the cables but also those who knowingly create a market for them.

“The NSCDC FCT Command remains committed to sustaining intelligence-led operations, strengthening collaboration with relevant stakeholders and ensuring that all persons found culpable are brought to justice through due process,” Odumosu said.

He urged residents, community leaders, commercial motorcyclists, tricycle operators, traders and scrap-metal dealers to report suspicious activities around electricity installations to the appropriate authorities.

The commandant reaffirmed the Corps’ determination to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations across the FCT, warning that the protection of critical infrastructure was essential to safeguarding livelihoods, public services and economic growth.

He maintained that the command would continue working with relevant stakeholders to curb the vandalism of vital infrastructure and bring those responsible to justice.