The Nigeria Police Force has arrested seven suspected pipeline vandals and recovered 285 vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipeline segments during an intelligence-led operation in Adamawa State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, saying the operation was carried out by operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering in collaboration with the IGP X-Squad.
According to Iniedu, the operation followed credible intelligence received on July 9, which led operatives to intercept a J5 bus loaded with suspected vandalised NNPC pipeline segments along the Yola–Numan Road in Adamawa State.
He said the vehicle was driven by Paul Joshua and accompanied by Paul Ishiyaku, whose arrest subsequently led investigators to six other suspects believed to be connected to the alleged vandalism network.
The suspects were identified as Haruna Usman, 28; Haruna Muhammed Sule, 30; Dabus Peter, 38; Ahmad Adamu, 19; Sadik Ibrahim, 31; Paul Joshua, 49; and Paul Ishiyaku, 48.
Further searches conducted during the operation led to the recovery of 285 vandalised NNPC pipeline segments, six gas cylinders, digging tools, shovels, a blue J5 bus with registration number KRD 767 XC, and other equipment suspected to have been used in carrying out the alleged criminal activities.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives intercepted a J5 bus conveying suspected vandalised NNPC pipeline segments. The operation subsequently led to the arrest of seven suspects, while further searches resulted in the recovery of 285 pipeline segments, gas cylinders, digging tools and other exhibits,” Iniedu said.
The police spokesman stated that the suspects remain in custody while investigations continue to establish the full extent of the alleged criminal enterprise and identify other persons connected with the operation.
He reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu to protecting critical national infrastructure and tackling economic sabotage across the country.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to the protection of critical national infrastructure and the fight against economic sabotage. We encourage members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts aimed at combating crime and safeguarding national assets across the country,” Iniedu added.
He assured that the Force would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to dismantle criminal networks involved in the vandalism of public assets and ensure those found culpable are brought to justice.
