The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has apprehended three individuals suspected of vandalising Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines in the Dafa area of Kwali Area Council, Abuja. According to FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, the arrests were made through intelligence-led operations, prolonged surveillance, and community collaboration. The suspects were identified as Maitama Inuwa, Yahuza Danlami, and Yasir Abdulrahman.
The arrested suspects were found to be operating a commercial truck with registration number MAK 159 XA, loaded with 17 severed pieces of high-pressure NNPC petroleum pipes. The affected infrastructure was originally built to supply crude oil and petroleum products to the Kaduna Refinery and distribute them to depots across the country. The NSCDC operatives intercepted the truck, foiling the vandals' plans to sell the stolen pipes.
The Commandant explained that the vandals typically operate in remote and forested areas where the pipelines transit through the FCT. They dig up and cut the high-pressure pipelines into sizable pieces for easy loading into their trucks, often under the cover of darkness. This reckless activity causes massive economic losses and poses an immediate risk of catastrophic explosions and environmental degradation.
The suspects initially fled and abandoned the severed pipes upon sighting NSCDC operatives. However, on September 20, 2026, they returned to load the pipes into their truck and were swiftly apprehended by the surveillance team with the support of local vigilantes. Four other gang members managed to escape into the surrounding bush and are currently at large.
The arrested suspects have been profiled and granted administrative bail after fulfilling stipulated conditions. The Command's Legal Unit is reviewing the case file for prosecution under the Miscellaneous Offences Act. The NSCDC will work to identify the end-buyers and sponsors of the sabotage, enforcing the full weight of the law on those found culpable.
The Commandant commended the Kwali Vigilante Group for their crucial assistance and urged traditional rulers, youth, and residents along the pipeline corridors to remain vigilant and avoid shielding economic saboteurs. He emphasised that pipeline vandalism constitutes an economic crime and poses significant security and developmental risks.
The NSCDC FCT Command will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to prevent pipeline vandalism and protect critical infrastructure. The Commandant encouraged residents to report suspicious activities, assuring that the NSCDC will take swift action against those found engaging in such criminal activities.
Key points
- The NSCDC arrested three suspected vandals for damaging NNPC pipelines in Abuja's Dafa area.
- The vandals were found to be operating a commercial truck loaded with 17 severed pieces of high-pressure NNPC petroleum pipes.
- The suspects have been granted administrative bail and will be prosecuted under the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
