The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Command, has arrested three suspected pipeline vandals and recovered a truck loaded with 17 vandalised NNPC petroleum pipes in Dafa, Kwali Area Council, Abuja.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation conducted by NSCDC operatives in collaboration with a local vigilante group monitoring activities along the pipeline Right of Way in the area.
Speaking during a media parley at the NSCDC Kwali Divisional Office on Wednesday, the FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu stated that the suspects initially fled after sighting security operatives during an earlier surveillance operation, abandoning the severed pipeline components at the scene.
He noted that the suspects allegedly returned on September 20, 2026, to load the abandoned pipes into a truck, giving NSCDC operatives an opportunity to move in and arrest three of them.
According to the commandant, the suspects were identified as Maitama Inuwa, 30, from Rafin Dadi, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, who was allegedly driving the truck; Yahuza Danlami, 32, from Anguwan Kataf, Mariri, also in Lere Local Government Area, described as the motor boy; and Yasir Abdulrahman, 26, from Gajiri Village, Suleja, Niger State, identified as a representative of alleged dealers of the vandalised pipes.
Odumosu disclosed that they recovered one commercial truck with registration number MAK 159 XA (Niger), loaded with 17 pieces of vandalised NNPC petroleum pipes.
Preliminary investigations had also identified four other individuals allegedly connected to the activities, but they remained at large as of the time of the briefing.
Odunmosu stressed that the investigation indicated the possible existence of an organised criminal network allegedly involved in the vandalism, movement and illicit sale of components removed from the pipeline Right of Way.
“The Command is consequently expanding its investigation to identify other persons involved in the alleged criminal enterprise and establish the full extent of the activities,” Odumosu said.
According to him, the alleged vandals operated mainly in remote and forested areas where petroleum pipelines pass through the FCT, digging up and cutting high-pressure pipelines at night before reducing them into sizeable pieces for transportation.
“This reckless activity does not only cause massive economic losses to the country but also poses an immediate risk of catastrophic explosions and environmental degradation,” he said.
The FCT commandant explained that the arrested suspects had undergone preliminary investigation and profiling and were granted administrative bail after fulfilling stipulated conditions.
Odumosu said the command’s legal unit would review the case file for appropriate legal action in accordance with extant laws.
He added that the investigation would also focus on identifying the alleged end-buyers and sponsors behind the suspected vandalism.
“We shall work tirelessly to identify the end-buyers, the sponsors bankrolling this sabotage and subsequently enforce the full weight of the Miscellaneous Offences Act,” Odumosu said.
The NSCDC commended members of the vigilante group in Kwali for their support and urged residents living along pipeline corridors to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing attacks on critical infrastructure.
“Petroleum pipelines are vital national assets that sustain our collective economy. Vandalizing them is a direct attack on the welfare of every citizen,” Odumosu said.
He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and residents along pipeline Right of Ways to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, including unusual truck activity in remote areas.
“When you see something, please say something and the NSCDC will do something as you have all seen today,” the Commandant said.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects allegedly connected with the operation and strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to protect critical national infrastructure across the FCT.