The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has arrested two men suspected of stealing high-tension electricity cables belonging to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) in Kwali Area Council.
The suspects, identified as Mustapha Yusuf, 40, from Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, and Usman Mohammed, 50, from Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, were arrested by the command’s anti-vandal operatives following intelligence from local vigilantes.
The FCT Command Public Relations Officer, DSC Monica Ojobi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, adding that four rolls of high-tension electric cables were recovered during the operation.
According to the statement, Yusuf allegedly told investigators that he belonged to a three-man gang involved in cable theft, with two other members still at large.
He said he planned to sell the recovered cables to a buyer in Gwagwalada and admitted participating in three previous cable theft operations.
Yusuf also alleged that the stolen cables were sold to a buyer who weighed them on a scale, while his boss, who is still at large, paid him between N4,000 and N5,000 for each operation.
Mohammed, who described himself as a professional driver, allegedly admitted participating in three successful cable theft operations and said he was arrested during a fourth attempt.
He further alleged that an accomplice identified as Biyu and a security officer serving in Gwagwalada, whose name was withheld, helped facilitate the operations.
Mohammed claimed that he usually sold the stolen cables for N50,000.
The statement said preliminary investigations suggested that the suspects were linked to a syndicate involved in cable theft within and outside the FCT.
It also identified an individual named Titus as an alleged member of the group who remains at large.
The command said investigations were ongoing to locate Titus and other suspected members of the syndicate and establish their roles in the alleged offences.
The FCT NSCDC Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, said the cable theft had plunged parts of Kwali Area Council into darkness.
He directed intelligence officers and personnel responsible for protecting critical national assets and infrastructure to intensify efforts to locate the fleeing suspects.
The command urged residents to provide credible information to security agencies to help prevent further attacks on public infrastructure.
