According to Mr. Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu a Chief Superintendent of Police, the Force Public Relations Officer at Abuja, in media statement explained that the Operatives of the Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering and the IGP X-Squad of the Nigeria Police Force, has successfully dismantled a pipeline vandalism network operating in Adamawa State, leading to the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of 285 pieces of vandalized Nigerian National Petroleum Company pipelines.
He explained that the police acted on credible intelligence received on 9th July 2026, the operatives intercepted a J5 bus fully loaded with suspected vandalized pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road in Adamawa State. The vehicle was driven by one Paul Joshua and accompanied by one Paul Ishiyaku. 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).
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. 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, IGP Olatunji Rilwan 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" Iniedu concluded.