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NSCDC Nabs 13 Suspects After Multi-State Sweep on Cable Theft, Cars and Trafficking
NSCDC nabs 13 suspects after a multi-state sweep covering alleged cable vandalism, car theft, robbery and a child trafficking recovery in Abuja
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said on Monday, 14 September 2026, that it had arrested and paraded 13 suspects after operations by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger and Kaduna. Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, spoke at National Headquarters in Abuja and at a scene in Yangoji, Kwali Area Council.
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The headline case is alleged damage to the power grid. Operatives named Isaac Zegbe, 25, a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, as a principal suspect.
The Corps says he and others vandalised more than 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors between Yangoji and Abaji, put at over ₦350 million, and that the metal later turned up with marketers.
A sting at Gudu Market recovered cables and led to the arrest of suspected receivers, including Chijoke Christian, who the Corps says admitted buying stolen material. Shops linked to those purchases are to be sealed under a court order.
Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi said the work was part of efforts “to safeguard Critical National Assets and Infrastructure and eradicate crime.” He added that suspects would be charged “upon the conclusion of investigations and the establishment of a prima facie case against them.” Those remain allegations until a court decides.
The same briefing bundled other files. A four-man group accused of stealing Toyota vehicles was named as Adamu Yusuf, Hassan Bukar, Adamu Musa, also called Yellow, and Abdulsalam Isa, also called Kada.
Four men accused of armed robbery, Nuhu Ndam, Ponbin Lamkur, Yilcwat Sohdan and Ganpyal Dul, were said to have been found with an AK-47 rifle, serial number 3152097, 16 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition and ₦70,000. Bilyaminu Musa and Abba Yusuf were held over alleged cable theft inside Abuja.
Theophilus Oche Oboii was accused of taking 15 tractor batteries from the National Agricultural Seeds Council in Kwali and selling each for ₦20,000. Recoveries listed include a Toyota Camry registered YAB 163 EE, cut cables, batteries, keys, cutting tools, knives and a travel bag.
Separately, the squad said it had recovered Micaiah Nana, described as the last of 16 children allegedly taken by Archibong Anderson on 15 January 2026, and detained people said to have bought the child.
An earlier NSCDC account of the same syndicate said Anderson Archibong posed as a child-rights official. Those strands are serious. They are not, on the Corps’ own wording, finished prosecutions.
Parade days compress several investigations into one camera call. Thirteen people have been shown to the press. A long stretch of conductor is said to be missing.
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A child the Corps had been seeking is said to be back. The courts will have to sort which of those claims stand.
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The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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