Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have dismantled a suspected pipeline vandalism syndicate in Adamawa State, arresting seven individuals and recovering 285 vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines in what authorities are hailing as a significant victory against economic sabotage.
The operation, executed by the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering in conjunction with the IGP X-Squad, was prompted by credible intelligence regarding the syndicate’s activities.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the suspects were apprehended following the interception of a J5 bus laden with suspected vandalised NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road.
The intelligence-led operation commenced on July 9, 2026, when officers stopped the vehicle, which was being driven by Paul Joshua, 49, accompanied by Paul Ishiyaku, 48. This initial interception led to the arrest of five additional suspects: Haruna Usman, 28; Haruna Muhammed Sule, 30; Dabus Peter, 38; Ahmad Adamu, 19; and Sadik Ibrahim, 31.
Subsequent searches yielded a haul of incriminating items, including 285 pieces of vandalised NNPC pipelines, six gas cylinders, diggers, shovels, and the J5 bus with registration number KRD 767 XC. All recovered items have been secured as exhibits, and the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue to unravel the full extent of the criminal network.
The Force underscored that pipeline vandalism poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s economic security, frequently resulting in substantial financial losses, environmental degradation, and disruptions to energy supply. Reaffirming its commitment to tackling such economic sabotage, the police emphasised that the administration of Inspector-General Olatunji Rilwan Disu remains steadfast in protecting critical national infrastructure through intelligence-led policing and coordinated enforcement operations.
Authorities have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information to security agencies to bolster efforts in combating crime and safeguarding national assets across the country.