Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has vowed severe punishment for vandals who damaged and stole transmission cables, plunging over 60% of Abuja into darkness.

Speaking during a media chat on Sunday evening, Wike disclosed that several suspects have been arrested and will face charges of economic sabotage rather than theft. The minister emphasized that the actions of the vandals threaten the stability of the nation’s capital and promised they would face full legal consequences.

“They vandalised and stole cables, leaving over 60% of Abuja in darkness—sabotage! By the grace of God, security agencies are handling the matter. Those involved will face justice, and their punishment will serve as a deterrent,” Wike said.

He further called on FCT residents to assist in safeguarding the city by reporting suspicious activities.

The power outage, which affected areas such as Wuse, Utako, Jabi, Maitama, Lifecamp, Asokoro, Mabushi, and parts of the Presidential Villa, was attributed to the vandalism of a 132kV transmission line and underground cables, according to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

The minister affirmed his commitment to ensuring such acts of sabotage are met with decisive action, urging residents to support the fight against criminal activities in the FCT.