NSCDC Arrests Ex-AEDC Worker Zegbe, Others Over N350m Cable Theft

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 worth over N350m.
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Zegbe, 25, was arrested alongside his accomplices by operatives of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad during intelligence-driven operations across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger and Kaduna states.

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

Afolabi said the suspects vandalised over 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors running from Yangoji to Abaji, with the stolen cables subsequently distributed to marketers in various markets across the FCT.

He said, “As part of ongoing operational successes to safeguard Critical National Assets and Infrastructure and eradicate crime, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested Isaac Zegbe, 25, a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, alongside his accomplices, who vandalised over 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors running from Yangoji to Abaji, valued at over N350m.”

Following a sting operation, the NSCDC also recovered a significant quantity of the vandalised cables at Gudu Market, Abuja, and arrested suspected receivers. One of the suspects, identified as Chijoke Christian, was alleged to have knowingly purchased the stolen cables.

Afolabi said the Corps had obtained a court order to seal the shops of merchants linked to the purchase of the stolen aluminium cables

“The stolen cables were subsequently distributed to marketers across several FCT markets. Following a targeted sting operation, NSCDC operatives recovered a significant volume of vandalised electrical cables at Gudu Market and arrested suspected receivers, including Chijoke Christian, who confessed to knowingly purchasing the stolen cables. The Corps has secured a court order to seal off the shops of all merchants linked to buying stolen aluminium cables”, Afolabi said.

He said the arrests formed part of the NSCDC’s ongoing efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure and curb criminal activities across the country.

The suspects were identified as Adamu Yusuf, Hassan Bukar, Adamu Musa, also known as Yellow, and Abdulsalam Isa, aka Kada. He said operatives also arrested four suspected members of an armed robbery gang identified as Nuhu Ndam, Ponbin Lamkur, Yilcwat Sohdan and Ganpyal Dul.

An AK-47 rifle with serial number 3152097, 16 rounds of 7.62x39mm live ammunition and N70,000 cash were recovered from the suspects. The NSCDC further disclosed that its operatives recovered Micaiah Nana, the last of 16 children allegedly trafficked by Archibong Anderson on January 15, 2026.

According to the Corps, the individuals who allegedly purchased the child had been arrested and were assisting investigators.

Other suspects arrested included Bilyaminu Musa and Abba Yusuf, who were accused of vandalising power cables in the Abuja city centre, and Theophilus Oche Oboii, who 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 N20,000 each.

NSCDC

Other items recovered during the operations included a stolen Toyota Camry with registration number YAB 163 EE, cut armoured electrical cables, 15 tractor batteries, master keys, cutting tools, knives and a stolen travel bag containing clothing.

Afolabi assured that the Corps would continue to deny criminal elements safe havens, adding that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations.

He said, “All suspects will be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations and the establishment of a prima facie case against them.”
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NNPC Retail Commissions 24-hour Self-Service Smart Station in Abuja

NNPC Retail today commissioned its first technology-powered self-service smart station along Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Road, Abuja, marking a key milestone in the evolution of the Company’s retail operations.
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Speaking at the commissioning, Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPC Ltd., Dr. Mumuni Dagazau, described the facility as a reflection of NNPC Retail’s commitment to innovation, convenience, operational efficiency and improved customer experience. He commended the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for providing the land and supporting the partnership that made the project possible.

Managing Director, NNPC Retail, Mr. Huub Stokman, said the facility demonstrates the changes in Nigeria’s downstream industry and the Company’s commitment to meeting consumer expectations for quality, convenience, speed and reliable service.

The 24-hour facility offers self-service fuel dispensing, enabling customers to independently complete transactions and dispense the exact quantity of fuel required. It also features electric vehicle charging points, an automated car wash, a lubricant service bay, LPG dispensing and other lifestyle offerings, with plans to expand its energy solutions to include CNG.

NNPC

The commissioning marks a new chapter in NNPC Retail’s drive to transform conventional filling stations into smart energy, mobility and lifestyle destinations, while delivering a more convenient, technology-driven and customer-focused retail experience across Nigeria.
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IGP Disu, NBA President Sets to End Police-Lawyer Frictions, Strengthen Justice Delivery

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has received the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, and members of the Association’s National Executive Committee on a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on 8 September 2026, with both institutions agreeing on the need for stronger professional collaboration, improved communication and greater mutual respect in advancing justice and public safety.
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Speaking during the visit, the NBA President emphasised the need for closer synergy between the Police and the legal profession, particularly through specialised training for lawyers and improved engagement between Police lawyers and members of the wider Bar. She noted that the NBA has a responsibility to remain responsive to the needs of its members across the country and advocated for an end to recurring clashes between lawyers and Police officers, stressing that both professions have complementary responsibilities within the justice system.

The NBA President further highlighted a UNICEF-supported initiative on children’s access to justice, under which the NBA is proposing the presence of a Police lawyer at every Police station to provide appropriate legal support to children who come into contact with the juvenile justice system. The proposal, she noted, underscores the importance of ensuring that vulnerable children are adequately supported and protected throughout the justice process.

Responding, the IGP congratulated Mrs Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her emergence as President of the NBA and described the engagement as an opportunity to build a stronger and more structured relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the legal profession. He stressed that respect for every individual, office and profession must remain fundamental to professional interactions, noting that while lawyers are principally concerned with protecting citizens’ rights and the Police with protecting lives and property, the responsibilities of both institutions converge in the administration of justice.

The IGP also called for greater professionalism and responsibility in the recording and dissemination of encounters involving Police officers. He stressed that personnel should not be subjected to ridicule or have the demanding circumstances of their duties trivialised for social media entertainment, particularly when officers operate under challenging conditions in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities to protect lives and property.

As part of efforts to strengthen institutional cooperation, the IGP identified improved professional engagement, measures to reduce delays in criminal trials and the establishment of a dedicated NPF/NBA mechanism for seamless and open communication as key areas requiring sustained collaboration. He noted that such a mechanism would provide a structured channel for addressing professional concerns, improving coordination and resolving issues before they escalate into unnecessary confrontations.

The IGP reaffirmed that the Police and the legal profession are partners in the pursuit of justice and acknowledged that disagreements may arise in the course of their respective duties. He, however, stressed that such differences must be managed professionally, respectfully and with civility, while expressing his readiness to work with the new NBA leadership towards a stronger and more productive partnership.

Police, NBA

The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association and other justice-sector stakeholders towards protecting fundamental rights, improving access to justice, promoting professionalism and building a more effective, responsive and trusted criminal justice system.

CSP Ani Iniedu, anipr
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
8th September , 2026
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