The Nigeria Police Force has arrested seven suspected pipeline vandals and recovered 285 pieces of vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines during an operation in Adamawa State, in what authorities described as a major crackdown on economic sabotage.

The operation, 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, followed credible intelligence received on July 9, 2026.

According to the Force Headquarters, the operatives intercepted a J5 bus loaded with suspected vandalised NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road. The vehicle was allegedly driven by Paul Joshua, while Paul Ishiyaku was also arrested at the scene.

The police said the operation was expanded, leading to the arrest of five additional suspects identified as Haruna Usman, 28; Haruna Muhammed Sule, 30; Dabus Peter, 38; Ahmad Adamu, 19; and Sadik Ibrahim, 31.

A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of 285 pieces of vandalised pipelines, six gas cylinders, diggers, shovels, the blue J5 bus with registration number KRD 767 XC, and other equipment believed to have been used in carrying out the illegal activities.

The recovered items have been secured as exhibits, while the suspects remain in police custody.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, said investigations were ongoing to uncover the full extent of the criminal network and identify other persons connected with the pipeline vandalism syndicate.

He said the operation underscored the Force’s commitment under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to protecting critical national infrastructure and tackling economic sabotage.

The police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information that would assist security agencies in combating crime and safeguarding national assets across the country.