The Nigeria Police Force has arrested seven suspected pipeline vandals and recovered 285 sections of vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) pipelines during a coordinated operation in Adamawa State.
Operation Details
The operation was carried out by the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering in collaboration with the IGP X-Squad. It followed credible intelligence on the activities of a pipeline vandalism syndicate.
Breakthrough and Seizures
Police said the breakthrough began on July 9, when operatives intercepted a J5 bus loaded with suspected stolen pipeline materials along the Yola–Numan Road. Further investigations led to the arrest of the seven suspects and the recovery of 285 vandalised pipeline sections, six gas cylinders, diggers, shovels, a J5 bus, and other tools allegedly used in the illegal operation.
Ongoing Investigations
The police said the suspects remain in custody while investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the syndicate's activities and identify other collaborators. The Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria's critical oil infrastructure and urged members of the public to provide credible information to help combat pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage.
