The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, has thwarted an attempted pipeline vandalism operation and recovered several items allegedly used by the suspects during the operation at Obazagbon Community in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State.
The Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ogbebor Efosa.
According to the statement, the successful operation was carried out on July 16, 2026, at about 1:00 p.m. by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Vandal Unit in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Pipeline Security and Surveillance.
The security personnel were said to have been conducting a routine patrol along the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipeline corridor in Obazagbon Community when they discovered a group of suspected vandals excavating the pipeline with the intention of damaging it.
The command explained that the suspects immediately opened fire upon sighting the security operatives in an attempt to resist arrest and facilitate their escape.
However, the NSCDC personnel responded to the attack, forcing the suspects to abandon the illegal operation and flee into the surrounding bush.
“On July 16, 2026, at about 1:00 p.m., operatives of the Command’s Anti-Vandal Unit, working in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Pipeline Security and Surveillance, were on a routine patrol along the NNPC pipeline corridor at Obazagbon when they encountered a group of suspected pipeline vandals excavating and vandalising the pipeline.
“Upon sighting the security operatives, the suspects opened fire in a desperate attempt to escape. The NSCDC personnel responded, forcing the criminals to abandon the operation and flee into the surrounding bush.
“Items recovered from the scene include five long gas cylinders, two motorcycles, two shovels and two digger heads,” the statement read.
The command said the recovered equipment is believed to have been used by the suspects in carrying out the attempted vandalism.
Ayinla described the operation as another significant achievement in the command’s ongoing campaign against attacks on critical national assets and infrastructure across Edo State.
He warned individuals involved in pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage to desist from such criminal activities, stressing that the command would continue to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations.
The commandant also declared that security operatives had already commenced efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and those financing or supporting their activities.
“Our operatives are already on the trail of the fleeing suspects. They cannot evade justice forever. We are committed to apprehending everyone connected with this criminal act, including their sponsors and collaborators, and ensuring they face the full weight of the law,” Ayinla said.
He appealed to residents of Edo State to support security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence capable of preventing pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities.
The commandant assured members of the public that all information supplied to security agencies would be treated with strict confidentiality.
Ayinla further reaffirmed the NSCDC Edo State Command’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to protect critical national assets, safeguard lives and property, and maintain peace across the state.
