The Nigeria Police Force has arrested seven suspected members of a pipeline vandalism syndicate in Adamawa State and recovered 285 pieces of vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines in a major operation against economic sabotage.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, 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 on the activities of the syndicate.
The police said the intelligence-led operation commenced on July 9, 2026, when officers intercepted a J5 bus loaded with suspected vandalised NNPC pipelines along the Yola Numan Road in Adamawa State. The vehicle was reportedly driven by Paul Joshua, while Paul Ishiyaku was travelling with him.
Source, PRESS RELEASE
The interception 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.
During follow-up searches, operatives recovered 285 pieces of vandalised NNPC pipelines, six gas cylinders, diggers, shovels, a J5 bus with registration number KRD 767 XC, and other equipment suspected 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 as investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the criminal network and identify other accomplices.
The Force described pipeline vandalism as a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic security, noting that attacks on petroleum infrastructure result in significant financial losses, environmental degradation, and disruptions to energy supply.
Reaffirming its commitment to combating economic sabotage, the police said the administration of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, remains focused on protecting critical national infrastructure through intelligence-led policing and coordinated enforcement operations.
The Force also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts to safeguard national assets and combat crime across the country.
