Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested seven suspected pipeline vandals and recovered 285 pieces of vandalized Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines during an operation in Adamawa State.
The operation was carried out by the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering in collaboration with the IGP X-Squad following credible intelligence received on July 9, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, police operatives intercepted a J5 bus loaded with suspected vandalized NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road. The vehicle was driven by Paul Joshua, while Paul Ishiyaku was travelling with him.
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Further investigations 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.
The police also recovered 285 pieces of vandalized pipelines, six gas cylinders, digging tools including shovels and diggers, a blue J5 bus with registration number KRD 767 XC, and other equipment believed to have been used in the illegal operation.
The recovered items have been secured as exhibits, while the suspects remain in police custody.
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the alleged criminal network and identify other individuals linked to the vandalism.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and tackling economic sabotage, urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support law enforcement efforts.
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