Operatives of the Nigeria Police under the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering and the IGP X-Squad has arrested seven suspects and recovered 285 vandalized Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, pipelines in Adamawa State.
This is contained in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, on Tuesday.
Iniedu said acting on credible intelligence received on 9th July 2026, operatives intercepted a J5 bus fully loaded with suspected vandalized NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road in Adamawa State.
According to him, the vehicle was driven by one Paul Joshua and accompanied by one Paul Ishiyaku.
He added that the operation subsequently 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.
Iniedu stated that further searches conducted during the operation resulted in the recovery of two hundred and eighty-five (285) pieces of vandalized pipelines, six (6) gas cylinders, diggers, shovels, one J5 bus with registration number KRD 767 XC, blue in colour, and other equipment suspected to have been used in the commission of the crime.
He reiterated that all recovered exhibits have been secured as evidence.
“The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the criminal enterprise and identify other individuals connected to the vandalism network.
“The Nigeria Police Force under the administration of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, reiterates its commitment to the protection of critical national infrastructure and the fight against economic sabotage.
“Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts aimed at combating crime and safeguarding national assets across the country,” the statement said.
