The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a breakthrough in its fight against economic sabotage with the arrest of seven suspected pipeline vandals and the recovery of 285 pieces of vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines in Adamawa State.
The Force said 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.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, said the operation began on July 9, 2026, when police operatives intercepted a J5 bus loaded with suspected vandalised NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road in Adamawa State.
According to the police spokesperson, the vehicle was driven by Paul Joshua, who was accompanied by Paul Ishiyaku at the time of the interception.
The operation subsequently 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.
Iniedu said further searches conducted during the operation led to the recovery of 285 pieces of vandalised pipelines, six gas cylinders, diggers, shovels, a blue J5 bus with registration number KRD 767 XC, and other equipment suspected to have been used in carrying out the illegal activities.
“All recovered exhibits have been secured as evidence,” he said.
He added that the suspects are currently in police custody while investigations continue to determine the full scope of the alleged criminal network and identify other individuals connected to the pipeline vandalism operation.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, Iniedu said the Force remains resolute in protecting critical national infrastructure and combating economic sabotage across the country.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to safeguard national assets and curb criminal activities.
