Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have dismantled a suspected pipeline vandalism syndicate in Adamawa State, arresting seven suspects and recovering 285 pieces of vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines.
The operation was carried out by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering in collaboration with the IGP X-Squad.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Okokon Iniedu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that investigations were ongoing to uncover the full scope of the criminal network and identify other accomplices.
According to Iniedu, the operation followed credible intelligence received on July 9, 2026, which led operatives to intercept a J5 bus loaded with suspected vandalised NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road in Adamawa State.
He said the vehicle was being driven by Paul Joshua, while Paul Ishiyaku was travelling as a passenger.
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 spokesperson said subsequent 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 illegal operation.
Iniedu added that all recovered exhibits had been secured as evidence, while the suspects remain in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
He reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, remains committed to protecting critical national infrastructure and combating economic sabotage.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to fight crime and safeguard national assets.
