The Nigerian Navy has thwarted an alleged pipeline vandalism operation in Imo State, intercepted a truck loaded with suspected stolen crude oil pipeline sections and arresting two suspects linked to a pipeline vandalism syndicate.
The operation, carried out by personnel of Naval Base (NB) Oguta on July 15, 2026, was intelligence-driven and targeted criminal activities in Oguta Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operatives intercepted a Mercedes truck transporting 10 sections of crude oil pipeline suspected to have been illegally removed from the Addax Petroleum pipeline network along the Osu–Obodo Road corridor.
The Navy disclosed that one suspect was arrested while escorting the stolen pipeline sections, while another alleged member of the syndicate was apprehended during subsequent follow-up operations. It added that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other members of the criminal network still at large.
The statement noted that the swift intervention prevented the syndicate from evacuating the vandalised pipeline materials, thereby protecting critical national infrastructure and preserving vital evidence for ongoing investigations.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to combating crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage through intelligence-led operations designed to dismantle criminal networks threatening the nation’s oil and gas assets.
It also pledged to continue working closely with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to safeguard strategic national infrastructure, strengthen internal security and support Nigeria’s economic stability.
