How Police Uncovered 131 Vandalised Armoured Electricity Cables in Tinted-Glass Vehicle

How Police Uncovered 131 Vandalised Armoured Electricity Cables in Tinted-Glass Vehicle
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have foiled a major attempt to illegally transport vandalised electricity infrastructure within Abuja, following the interception of a tinted-glass vehicle conveying stolen armoured power cables.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of Friday, led to the recovery of 131 armoured electricity distribution cables, believed to have been vandalised from multiple transformers and power installations across the city.
Suspicious Movement Raises Alarm
According to police sources, the vehicle was intercepted during a routine patrol by officers attached to the FCT Police Command. The heavily tinted vehicle attracted attention due to its suspicious movement at odd hours, prompting operatives to stop and conduct a search.
Upon inspection, officers discovered a large cache of armoured electricity cables concealed inside the vehicle. Preliminary investigations revealed that the cables had been forcefully removed from public electricity infrastructure, causing disruption of power supply to affected communities.
Targeting Critical Infrastructure
Police authorities disclosed that the suspects were attempting to transport the vandalised cables to prospective buyers, where the materials would likely be sold as scrap. Electricity cable vandalism has become a recurring issue in the FCT, leading to prolonged power outages, economic losses, and safety risks to residents.
“This criminal activity goes beyond theft; it is an attack on public infrastructure and the welfare of residents,” a senior police officer stated. “Such acts deprive communities of electricity and expose lives to danger.”
Recovery and Ongoing Investigation
A total of 131 armoured cables were recovered during the operation, with some reports initially indicating about 100 before further inventory confirmed the higher number. The suspects involved have been taken into custody, while investigations continue to track other members of the vandalism network, including middlemen and scrap dealers who patronise such crimes.
The police also confirmed that efforts are underway to identify the exact locations where the cables were vandalised, in collaboration with electricity distribution companies.
Police Warn Scrap Dealers and Vandals
The FCT Police Command has issued a stern warning to individuals and businesses involved in buying vandalised electricity equipment, noting that such actions make them complicit in the crime.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, especially during late hours, to security agencies. The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and ensuring public safety across the capital.
A Call for Community Cooperation
Authorities emphasized that community cooperation remains key in combating infrastructure vandalism. By reporting suspicious activities promptly, residents can help prevent power disruptions and ensure the safety of public assets meant for collective use.
As investigations continue, the police assured the public that those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.