The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismantled a pipeline vandalism syndicate operating in Adamawa State, arresting seven suspects and recovering 285 pieces of vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines.
The operation, 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, followed credible intelligence received on July 9, 2026.
According to the police, operatives intercepted a J5 bus loaded with suspected vandalised NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road in Adamawa State. The vehicle was 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, the J5 bus with registration number KRD 767 XC, blue in colour, and other equipment believed to have been used in carrying out the illegal operation.
The recovered items have been secured as exhibits, while the suspects remain in police custody.
The Force said investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the pipeline vandalism network and identify other accomplices linked to the criminal enterprise.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure, the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said it would continue intensifying efforts against economic sabotage and related crimes.
The police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information that would assist security agencies in combating crime and safeguarding national assets across the country.
