The police has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against oil theft and pipeline vandalism with the arrest of seven suspected members of a pipeline vandalism syndicate and the recovery of 285 pieces of vandalized Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) pipelines in Adamawa State.
The operation, carried out by officers of the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering in collaboration with the IGP X-Squad, underscores renewed efforts by security agencies to tackle economic sabotage and protect Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the operation followed credible intelligence received on July 9, 2026.
He said acting on the information, police officers intercepted a blue Peugeot J5 bus transporting suspected vandalized NNPC pipelines, along the Yola–Numan Road in Adamawa State.
The police identified the driver of the vehicle as Paul Joshua, while Paul Ishiyaku was travelling as a passenger. Their arrest reportedly led investigators to other members of the suspected vandalism network.
Those arrested were identified as Haruna Usman, Haruna Muhammed Sule, Dabus Peter, Ahmad Adamu, Sadik Ibrahim, Paul Joshua, and Paul Ishiyaku.
Read Also:
- Adamawa Police Nab 26 Years Old Suspect, Recover Stolen N18 Million Toyota Corolla
- Police Recover Stolen Toyota Hilux, Arrest Two Suspects In Adamawa
- Police Arrest 33 Suspects In Raid On Criminal Hideouts In Adamawa
The police spokesman added further that searches conducted during the operation resulted in the recovery of 285 pieces of suspected vandalized NNPC pipelines, six gas cylinders, diggers, shovels, a Peugeot J5 bus with registration number KRD 767 XC, and other equipment believed by investigators to have been used in carrying out the alleged criminal activities.
The police said all recovered items have been secured as exhibits.
Iniedu said investigators are continuing efforts to determine the full scope of the alleged pipeline vandalism network, establish the source and intended destination of the recovered pipelines, and identify other individuals who may be connected to the operation.
The police reiterated its commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and combating economic sabotage.
It also appealed to the public to continue providing credible and timely information that would assist law enforcement agencies in preventing pipeline vandalism and other forms of organised crime.
The seven suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue, after which they are expected to face prosecution if found culpable.
