Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have dismantled an alleged pipeline vandalism syndicate in Adamawa State, leading to the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of 285 vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipeline components.
The operation was executed by officers attached to 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 are continuing to uncover the full network behind the operation and identify other suspected collaborators.
According to the police, the breakthrough followed credible intelligence received on July 9, 2026, which prompted operatives to intercept a J5 commercial bus transporting suspected vandalised NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road in Adamawa State.
The vehicle was reportedly being driven by Paul Joshua, while Paul Ishiyaku was travelling as a passenger.
Subsequent operations 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.
Further investigations and searches reportedly resulted in the recovery of 285 pieces of vandalised NNPC pipelines, six gas cylinders, digging tools, 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.
The police confirmed that all recovered items have been secured as exhibits, while the suspects remain in custody pending the completion of investigations and possible prosecution.
Iniedu said the operation reflects the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing commitment to combating crimes that threaten the country’s critical infrastructure and economic stability.
He noted that under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Force remains focused on tackling petroleum-related crimes, illegal bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage across the country.
The spokesperson also appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting law enforcement agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist in preventing attacks on vital national assets.
According to him, public cooperation remains essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and ensuring that those responsible for criminal activities are brought to justice.
