The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a suspected pipeline vandalism network in Adamawa State, arresting seven suspects and recovering 285 pieces of vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines during an intelligence-led operation.
The operation was carried out by operatives of the Inspector-General of Police 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 breakthrough followed credible intelligence received on July 9, 2026, regarding the activities of a pipeline vandalism syndicate operating in the state.
Acting on the intelligence, police operatives intercepted a blue J5 bus loaded with suspected vandalised NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road.
The vehicle, bearing registration number KRD 767 XC, was driven by Paul Joshua and accompanied by Paul Ishiyaku.
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.
READ ALSO: Police Arrest Two Over Vandalism, Theft In Abia
Further searches conducted during the operation resulted in the recovery of 285 pieces of vandalised NNPC pipelines, six gas cylinders, diggers, shovels and other equipment suspected to have been used in carrying out the illegal activities.
Police said all recovered items have been secured as exhibits, while the suspects remain in custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
The Force said investigators are working to determine the full extent of the criminal network and identify other individuals connected with the alleged economic sabotage.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure, the Nigeria Police Force said it would continue to intensify efforts against pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering and other forms of economic crimes.
The Force also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat crime and safeguard national assets across the country.