Major Crackdown On Economic Sabotage As Police Intensify Fight Against Oil Theft
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing war against economic sabotage, arresting seven suspected pipeline vandals and recovering 285 pieces of vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines during a coordinated operation 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 following credible intelligence on the activities of a pipeline vandalism syndicate operating within the state.
According to the Force Headquarters, the operation began on July 9, 2026, when police operatives intercepted a J5 bus loaded with suspected vandalised NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road in Adamawa State.
The vehicle was reportedly driven by Paul Joshua, while Paul Ishiyaku was travelling with him at the time of the interception.
Further investigations led to the arrest of five additional suspects identified as Haruna Usman (28), Haruna Muhammed Sule (30), Dabus Peter (38), Ahmad Adamu (19), and Sadik Ibrahim (31).
A thorough search conducted by the police resulted in the recovery of 285 pieces of vandalised NNPC pipelines, six gas cylinders, diggers, shovels, one blue J5 bus with registration number KRD 767 XC, and other tools suspected to have been used in carrying out the illegal operation.
The recovered items have been taken into police custody as exhibits, while all seven suspects are currently being detained as investigations continue.
Police authorities said detectives are working to uncover the full network behind the illegal pipeline vandalism and identify other persons connected with the criminal operation.
The Nigeria Police Force described pipeline vandalism as a serious threat to the nation’s economy and critical infrastructure, stressing that those involved in the destruction of national assets will be identified and brought to justice.
The Force also reaffirmed its commitment under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to protecting critical national infrastructure and combating oil theft, illegal bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage across the country.
Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts aimed at protecting national assets and fighting crime.
IBN News will continue to monitor the investigation and provide updates as more details emerge.
