Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation WHIRL STROKE, have foiled an alleged pipeline vandalism attempt in Gou community, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, arresting an 18-year-old motorcycle rider suspected of transporting a section of the pipeline.
The suspect, identified as Aondoyima Agber, was apprehended on October 20, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation aimed at preventing the vandalism of critical national infrastructure.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Media Information Officer of the JTF, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops were conducting a fighting patrol when they received intelligence about the activities of suspected pipeline vandals in the community.
Upon arriving at the reported location, the suspected vandals had fled, but the troops arrested Agber, who was allegedly attempting to transport a section of the pipeline.
The suspect remains in custody pending further directives, while troops have intensified operations in the area to deter criminal activities, prevent further attacks on critical infrastructure and disrupt the activities of armed bandits.
The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE and General Officer Commanding (GOC), 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift response, describing the operation as a proactive step towards protecting critical national assets.
Gara warned individuals involved in the vandalism of public infrastructure to desist from such acts, stressing the importance of safeguarding vital national assets.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, emphasising that community cooperation remains crucial to tackling criminality and sustaining peace and security across the task force’s area of responsibility.
