By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against economic sabotage with the arrest of seven suspected pipeline vandals and the recovery of 285 vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines in Adamawa State.
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 a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the operation followed credible intelligence received on July 9, 2026.
The police said operatives intercepted a J5 bus fully loaded with suspected vandalised NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road in Adamawa State.
The vehicle was reportedly driven by Paul Joshua, with Paul Ishiyaku accompanying him at the time of the interception.
The operation 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 searches conducted by the operatives resulted in the recovery of 285 pieces of vandalised NNPC pipelines, six gas cylinders, diggers, shovels, a blue J5 bus with registration number KRD 767 XC, and other equipment believed to have been used in carrying out the illegal activities.
The police said all recovered exhibits have been secured as evidence, while the suspects remain in custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
According to the Force, investigators are working to uncover the full extent of the criminal network and identify other individuals connected with the pipeline vandalism syndicate.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure, the Nigeria Police Force said it would continue to intensify efforts against economic sabotage under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The Force also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts aimed at combating crime and safeguarding national assets across the country.
