Police Bust Pipeline Vandalism Syndicate, Arrest Seven, Recover 285 NNPC Pipes in Adamawa

The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a suspected pipeline vandalism syndicate in Adamawa State, arresting seven suspects and recovering 285 vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines in a major operation targeting economic sabotage.

The breakthrough was announced on Wednesday in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, who said 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.

According to the police, 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.

The vehicle was reportedly driven by Paul Joshua, while Paul Ishiyaku was travelling with him at the time of the interception.

The police said the operation was subsequently expanded, leading 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, the statement said, resulted in the recovery of 285 pieces of vandalised pipelines, six gas cylinders, diggers, shovels, the J5 bus with registration number KRD 767 XC, and other equipment believed to have been used in carrying out the illegal activities.

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

The Force said investigators were working to unravel the full extent of the alleged criminal network and identify other individuals linked to the pipeline vandalism operation.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting critical national assets, the police said the administration of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, remained determined to combat economic sabotage across the country.

The statement urged members of the public to support ongoing security efforts by providing timely and credible information that could aid the prevention and detection of crimes targeting national infrastructure.