The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against economic sabotage with the arrest of seven suspected pipeline vandals and the recovery of 285 pieces of vandalized Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines in Adamawa State.
The operation was carried out by operatives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering in collaboration with the IGP X-Squad, following credible intelligence received on July 9, 2026.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the operatives intercepted a J5 bus loaded with suspected vandalized NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road. The vehicle was driven by Paul Joshua and accompanied by Paul Ishiyaku.
The operation 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.
Police said further searches resulted in the recovery of 285 pieces of vandalized 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.
The recovered items have been secured as exhibits, while the suspects remain in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations aimed at uncovering the full extent of the criminal network and apprehending other accomplices.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to protecting critical national infrastructure, the statement stressed that the Force would continue to intensify efforts against pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage.
The Police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to safeguard national assets across the country.
