Police Smash Pipeline Vandalism Syndicate in Adamawa, Arrest Seven Suspects, Recover 285 NNPC Pipes
By Pan Afric Reporters
Major operation targets economic sabotage as operatives seize vandalised pipelines, gas cylinders and excavation equipment
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its nationwide crackdown on economic sabotage with the dismantling of an alleged pipeline vandalism syndicate in Adamawa State, leading to the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of 285 vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines.
The development was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Nigeria Police Force and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
According to the Police, the operation was carried out by operatives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering, working in collaboration with the IGP X-Squad, following credible intelligence on the activities of the criminal network.
The Force revealed that on July 9, 2026, police operatives intercepted a J5 bus transporting suspected vandalised NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road in Adamawa State.
The vehicle was reportedly driven by Paul Joshua, with Paul Ishiyaku as a passenger, leading investigators to uncover what authorities described as a well-organised pipeline vandalism operation.
Subsequent operations resulted in the arrest of seven suspects 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).
During searches conducted by the operatives, the Police recovered 285 pieces of vandalised NNPC 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 carrying out the illegal activities.
All recovered exhibits have been secured as evidence, while the suspects remain in police custody.
The Force said investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the criminal enterprise and identify other members of the syndicate involved in the vandalism of critical oil infrastructure.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting national assets, the Nigeria Police Force said the administration of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, remains determined to combat pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage threatening the nation’s economy.
“The Nigeria Police Force under the administration of the Inspector-General of Police reiterates its commitment to the protection of critical national infrastructure and the fight against economic sabotage,” the statement said.
The Police also appealed to Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts aimed at preventing crime and safeguarding critical national infrastructure.
“Members of the public are encouraged 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,” the statement added.
