Police arrest seven, recover 285 vandalized NNPC pipelines in Adamawa

YOLA —By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of seven suspected pipeline vandals and the recovery of 285 pieces of vandalized Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines during an operation in Adamawa state.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, 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.

The police said the operation followed credible intelligence received on July 9, 2026, which led operatives to intercept a J5 bus allegedly transporting suspected vandalized NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan road.

The vehicle, according to the police was driven by Paul Joshua, with Paul Ishiyaku as a passenger.

The operation resulted in 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.

Police said a subsequent search led to the recovery of 285 pieces of suspected vandalized pipelines, six gas cylinders, diggers, shovels, a blue J5 bus bearing registration number KRD 767 XC, and other equipment believed to have been used in the alleged vandalism. The recovered items have been secured as exhibits, the police said.

The suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue to determine the extent of the alleged pipeline vandalism network and identify other possible accomplices.

The Nigeria Police Force said it remains committed to protecting critical national infrastructure and combating economic sabotage.

It also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to support law enforcement efforts in safeguarding national assets