Police Arrest 7 Suspects Over Vandalisation of NNPC Oil Pipeline
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of seven persons allegedly involved in the vandalisation of NNPC oil pipeline in Adamawa State.
According to CSP Aniete Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, in a statement on Tuesday, the suspects were arrested by a combine team of the IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering and the IGP X-Squad.
He said a total of 285 oil pipes belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) were dug up by the suspects.
“Acting on credible intelligence received on 9th July 2026, operatives intercepted a J5 bus fully loaded with suspected vandalized NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road in Adamawa State. The vehicle was driven by one Paul Joshua and accompanied by one Paul Ishiyaku.
“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).
“Further searches conducted during the operation resulted in the recovery of two hundred and eighty-five (285) pieces of vandalized pipelines, six (6) gas cylinders, diggers, shovels, one J5 bus with registration number KRD 767 XC, blue in colour, and other equipment suspected to have been used in the commission of the crime.
“All recovered exhibits have been secured as evidence.
“The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the criminal enterprise and identify other individuals connected to the vandalism network,” Iniedu stated.
He said that the Nigeria Police Force under the administration of Inspector-General Olatunji Rilwan Disu, remains committed to the protection of critical national infrastructure and the fight against economic sabotage.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts aimed at combating crime and safeguarding national assets across the country.
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