The Nigerian Navy has disrupted a suspected pipeline vandalism syndicate in Imo State, intercepting vandalised crude oil pipeline sections and arresting two suspects during an intelligence-led operation in Oguta Local Government Area.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was carried out by personnel of Naval Base (NB) Oguta as part of ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage.
The statement said the operatives intercepted a Mercedes truck conveying 10 sections of crude oil pipeline believed to have been illegally removed from the Addax Petroleum pipeline network along the Osu–Obodo Road corridor.
During the operation, one suspect was arrested while escorting the consignment, while another suspected member of the pipeline vandalism syndicate was apprehended during follow-up operations.
The Navy disclosed that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other members of the criminal network who remain at large.
It noted that the timely interception prevented the syndicate from transporting the vandalised pipeline materials, thereby averting further damage to critical oil infrastructure and preserving vital evidence for ongoing investigations.
The Navy described the operation as another significant success in its sustained campaign against economic sabotage, stressing that intelligence-driven operations remain central to efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and related offences.
The service reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s strategic oil and gas infrastructure, protect critical national assets and strengthen internal security in support of the country’s economic stability.
