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 in a major crackdown on economic sabotage.
According to an official signed statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, 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.
The statement said the operation followed credible intelligence received on July 9, 2026, which led operatives to intercept a J5 bus fully loaded with suspected vandalised NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road in Adamawa State.
Police identified the occupants of the vehicle as Paul Joshua, the driver, and Paul Ishiyaku, who was travelling with him.
According to the statement, the operation was expanded, resulting 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.
The police disclosed that further searches led to 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 equipment suspected to have been used in carrying out the criminal activity.
The recovered items have been secured as exhibits, while the suspects remain in police custody.
According to the statement, investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the alleged criminal enterprise and identify other persons linked to the pipeline vandalism network.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, to protecting critical national infrastructure and intensifying the fight against economic sabotage.
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.
