NSCDC Arrests Six Over Pipeline Vandalism, Fuel Theft In Abuja, Intensifies Hunt For Syndicate
0
Stella Omona
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has arrested and paraded six suspected oil pipeline vandals allegedly involved in the theft of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipeline in Pagada I, Dobi Ward, Gwagwalada Area Council of Abuja.
According to the Command on a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, DSC Monica Ojobi, on Thursday, the suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation carried out by its Anti-Vandal Squad at about 3:30 a.m. on July 18, 2026, following credible intelligence on suspicious activities around the pipeline.
FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, said operatives caught the suspects while allegedly scooping fuel from a pipeline they had punctured with a drilling machine and loading the product into jerrycans and plastic bags.
The suspects were identified as Yakubu Yahaya (29), Garba Isah (23), Mohammed Abubakar (24), Yakubu Abdul (20), Ibrahim Ishaku (30), and Musa Abdulwahab (20).
Odumosu disclosed that investigations revealed Yakubu Abdul, an indigene of Pagada I, allegedly recruited Garba Isah and Mohammed Abubakar from Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State to participate in the operation.
He further alleged that three members of a local vigilante group were involved in the crime by providing security cover for the vandals while the operation was ongoing.
The NSCDC recovered two motorcycles, four 25-litre jerrycans containing suspected PMS, two empty 25-litre jerrycans, one shovel, two locally fabricated firearms, and a hand drilling machine believed to have been used to puncture the pipeline.
According to the commandant, the exhibits have been documented and secured to support ongoing investigations and prosecution.
He said the suspects had been profiled, cautioned and granted administrative bail to enable them contact their relatives while investigations continue, adding that efforts were underway to identify and arrest other members of the criminal network.
Odumosu condemned pipeline vandalism and the destruction of public infrastructure, describing such acts as economic sabotage capable of crippling the nation’s economy and threatening public safety.
He warned that the NSCDC would continue to intensify surveillance around critical national assets and infrastructure across the FCT, stressing that anyone caught vandalising oil pipelines, transformers, armoured cables, streetlights, railway facilities, manhole covers or other public infrastructure would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The commandant also noted that pipeline vandalism contributes to fuel scarcity, environmental degradation and increases the risk of fire outbreaks and explosions that endanger lives and agricultural activities in surrounding communities.
He commended residents of Dobi community for providing useful intelligence that led to the arrests and urged other communities across the FCT to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
Odumosu further directed the Command’s Investigation Department to carry out a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying other members of the syndicate and ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice.
