The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Command, has arrested three persons allegedly linked to the vandalism and attempted removal of components of NNPC pipelines in Dafa, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. The suspects were arrested while allegedly attempting to load vandalised petroleum pipelines into a commercial truck.
According to the FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu, the arrests followed actionable intelligence received from members of a local vigilante group working with the NSCDC. The suspects initially fled after sighting security operatives, abandoning the already severed pipeline components at the scene, but later returned to retrieve and transport the vandalised pipes.
The arrested suspects were identified as Maitama Inuwa, 30, of Rafin Dadi, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, allegedly the driver of the truck; Yahuza Danlami, 32, of Anguwan Kataf, Mariri, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, allegedly the motor boy; and Yasir Abdulrahman, 26, of Gajiri Village, Suleja, Niger State, allegedly a representative of dealers in the vandalised pipes.
Items recovered from the scene included a commercial truck with registration number MAK 159 XA (Niger) and 17 pieces of vandalised NNPC petroleum pipes. Preliminary investigations had identified four other persons allegedly connected with the operation, who are currently at large. The NSCDC is expanding its investigation to identify other members of the alleged network.
The Commandant said preliminary findings indicated that the suspects operated mainly in remote and forested locations where petroleum pipelines pass through the FCT. The suspects allegedly exploited the cover of darkness to excavate and cut the high-pressure pipelines into smaller sections for transportation.
Odumosu warned that apart from causing economic losses, pipeline vandalism could result in explosions, environmental damage and serious threats to surrounding communities. He assured that the investigation would be conducted professionally and transparently, stressing that anyone found to have participated in, facilitated, or benefited from the alleged criminal activities would face prosecution.
The Commandant commended the Kwali Vigilante Group for providing intelligence and operational support that contributed to the arrests. He called on residents, traditional rulers, community leaders and youths living along pipeline corridors to report suspicious activities, particularly unusual movements of trucks and digging activities in remote locations.
Key points
- The NSCDC arrested three suspects for allegedly vandalizing NNPC pipelines in Abuja.
- The suspects were caught while attempting to load vandalised pipes into a commercial truck.
- The NSCDC is expanding its investigation to identify other members of the alleged network.
