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By Faheem Lawal
The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a pipeline vandalism syndicate in Adamawa State, arresting seven suspects and recovering 285 pieces of vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines, six gas cylinders, digging tools and a bus allegedly used for the criminal operation.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedo, disclosed that operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering, in collaboration with the IGP X-Squad, carried out the operation following credible intelligence.
According to him, on July 9, 2026, police operatives intercepted a blue J5 bus with registration number KRD 767 XC along the Yola-Numan Road in Adamawa State. The vehicle, driven by Paul Joshua and accompanied by Paul Ishiyaku, was found loaded with suspected vandalised NNPC pipelines.
The breakthrough led to 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.
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Police also recovered 285 pieces of vandalised pipelines, six gas cylinders, diggers, shovels and other equipment believed to have been used in carrying out the illegal activities.
All exhibits have been secured as evidence, while the suspects remain in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
The police said investigations were ongoing to unravel the full scope of the criminal network and apprehend other individuals connected to the vandalism ring.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and tackling economic sabotage across the country.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information that would assist security agencies in combating crime and safeguarding national assets.
