Police in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory have arrested multiple suspects and recovered armoured underground power cables worth ₦31.1 million during raids on criminal hideouts in Abuja.
The spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, Superintendent Josephine Adeh, said the arrests followed a surge in attacks on public infrastructure, including electricity cables, internet installations and drainage facilities.
Adeh explained that the vandalism had caused widespread disruption to electricity supply, internet connectivity and public safety within the capital and adjoining states. In response, the command launched intensified intelligence-driven operations and patrols in high-risk areas such as Mabushi, Maitama and Abuja’s Central Business District.
The operations led to the recovery of 296 cut armoured power cables, alongside 171 manhole covers, four cable-pulling machines, two transformers and 52 bags of dried leaves believed to be cannabis.
The recovered cables alone were estimated to be worth ₦31,140,000, according to the police.
Adeh said further investigations were under way to identify and arrest those who purchase and trade in stolen public infrastructure. She stressed that both perpetrators and their collaborators would face prosecution.
She called on members of the public to support law enforcement by reporting suspicious activity and assured residents of the police command’s continued commitment to maintaining security and protecting public assets in the FCT.
