NSCDC arrests three over alleged NNPC pipeline vandalism in Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged vandalism of an NNPC petroleum pipeline in Dafa, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

The FCT Commandant of the corps, Olusola Odumosu, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists at the NSCDC Kwali Divisional Office.

He said the arrests followed several days of intelligence-led surveillance conducted by the command’s tactical team with support from members of a local vigilante group.

According to him, the operation was launched after the command received credible information about suspected vandalism along the pipeline Right of Way in the area.

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He said the suspects initially fled after discovering the presence of security operatives, leaving behind sections of the pipeline they had allegedly cut.

Odumosu explained that the suspects returned on September 20, 2026, apparently to retrieve the abandoned sections and load them into a truck.

“NSCDC operatives on surveillance, supported by members of the vigilante group, swiftly moved in and arrested three of the suspects, while some other members of the gang reportedly escaped into the surrounding bush,” he said.

The arrested suspects were identified as Maitama Inuwa, 30; Yahuza Danlami, 32; and Yasir Abdulrahman, 26.

Odumosu said Inuwa, a native of Rafin Dadi in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was allegedly driving the truck with registration number MAK 159 XA (Niger), which was reportedly being used to transport the vandalised pipeline sections.

Danlami, from Anguwan Kataf, Mariri, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was identified as the vehicle’s motor boy, while Abdulrahman, from Gajiri Village in Suleja, Niger State, was described as an alleged representative of buyers of the vandalised pipeline components.

The commandant said preliminary investigations had also identified four other individuals allegedly linked to the operation, adding that they remained at large.

He said findings from the investigation suggested the possible involvement of an organised criminal network engaged in the vandalism, transportation and alleged illicit sale of components removed from the pipeline Right of Way.

Items recovered by the NSCDC included a long commercial truck loaded with vandalised NNPC petroleum pipes and 17 pieces of the pipes.

Odumosu said the suspects allegedly targeted isolated and forested locations where petroleum pipelines run through the FCT.

“These vandals operate in remote and forested areas where petroleum pipelines transit through the FCT. When it is dark, they deliberately dig up and cut these high-pressure pipelines into sizeable pieces for easy loading into their trucks,” he said.

He warned that pipeline vandalism could have serious consequences for lives, the environment and the national economy.

“This reckless activity not only causes massive economic losses to the country but also poses an immediate risk of catastrophic explosions and environmental degradation,” he said.

Odumosu said the investigation would be expanded to establish the identities of alleged financiers and end-buyers of the vandalised pipeline components.

“The command will work tirelessly to identify the end-buyers, the sponsors bankrolling this sabotage and subsequently enforce the full weight of the Miscellaneous Offences Act,” he stated.

The NSCDC commandant also urged residents living around pipeline corridors to promptly report suspicious activities, particularly unusual digging and the movement of trucks in isolated areas.

“Do not shield these economic saboteurs; report any suspicious digging or unusual movement of trucks in remote areas to the NSCDC immediately. When you see something, please say something, and the NSCDC will do something,” he said.

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