Police Arrest 7, Recover 285 Vandalized NNPC Pipelines in Adamawa

‎The Nigeria Police Force has arrested seven suspected members of a pipeline vandalism syndicate and recovered 285 vandalized Nigerian National Petroleum Company pipelines in Adamawa State.

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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 received on July 9, 2026.

Recovered NNPC Pipeline

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, police operatives intercepted a J5 bus loaded with suspected vandalized NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road. The vehicle was reportedly driven by Paul Joshua, with Paul Ishiyaku as a passenger.

The successful 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 a subsequent search uncovered 285 pieces of vandalized 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 illegal activities.

All recovered exhibits have been secured, while the suspects remain in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations.

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The Force said efforts are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the criminal network and apprehend other individuals linked to the vandalism operation.

Reaffirming the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to protecting critical national infrastructure, the police pledged to sustain the crackdown on economic sabotage and other criminal activities threatening the nation’s resources.

The Force 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 combating crime across the country.