The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested seven suspected pipeline vandals and recovered 285 pieces of vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines during an operation 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 on the activities of a pipeline vandalism syndicate.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the operation stemmed from intelligence received on July 9, 2026. Police operatives 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, who was 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 vandalised 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 alleged vandalism.
All recovered items have been secured as exhibits, while the suspects remain in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
The police said investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the alleged criminal network and identify other individuals linked to the operation.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the statement said the Force remains resolute in protecting critical national infrastructure and combating economic sabotage across the country.
The police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts aimed at protecting national assets and curbing criminal activities.
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