Police Bust Pipeline Vandalism Syndicate, Arrest Seven In Adamawa
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have dismantled a pipeline vandalism syndicate in Adamawa State, arresting seven suspects and recovering 285 pieces of vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Okokon Iniedu, disclosed the development in a statement on Wednesday, saying the operation followed credible intelligence received on July 9, 2026, and was carried out by personnel of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering in collaboration with the IGP X-Squad.
Acting on the information, operatives intercepted a J5 bus conveying suspected vandalised NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road in Adamawa State.
The vehicle was driven by Paul Joshua, with Paul Ishiyaku as a passenger. Further operations led to the arrest of five additional suspects identified as Haruna Usman, 28; Haruna Muhammed Sule, 30; Dabus Peter, 38; Ahmad Adamu, 19; and Sadik Ibrahim, 31.
Police recovered 285 pieces of vandalised pipelines, six gas cylinders, diggers, shovels, a blue J5 bus with registration number KRD 767 XC, and other equipment believed to have been used in the vandalism. All exhibits have been secured, while the suspects remain in custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
Iniedu said investigations were ongoing to dismantle the entire criminal network and identify other collaborators involved in the illegal operation.
He reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, remains committed to protecting critical national infrastructure and combating economic sabotage, while urging members of the public to provide timely and credible information to support security agencies in safeguarding national assets.
