The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged vandalism of 17 petroleum pipelines in Dafa, Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
The suspects were identified as Maitama Inuwa, 30, from Rafin Dadi in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State; Yahuza Danlami, 32, from Anguwan Kataf, Mariri, also in Lere Local Government Area; and Yasir Abdulrahman, 26, from Gajiri Village in Suleja, Niger State.
According to the NSCDC, Inuwa is the driver of a truck with registration number MAK 159 XA (Niger), which was allegedly used to convey the vandalised pipes, while Danlami was identified as the truck’s motor boy. Abdulrahman was described as a representative of dealers allegedly involved in the purchase of the vandalised pipes.
In a statement made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, said preliminary investigations showed that the suspects operated in remote and forested areas where petroleum pipelines pass.
Odumosu said the suspects allegedly carried out their activities at night by digging up and cutting high-pressure pipelines into smaller pieces for easy transportation.
He explained that the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence received by the command concerning suspected vandalism along the pipeline right-of-way in the area.
“Our operatives intensified surveillance through monitoring and patrolling of the location. But upon sighting our men, the suspected vandals fled the scene and abandoned the already severed petroleum pipelines,” Odumosu said.
According to him, the surveillance operation eventually paid off on September 20, when the suspects allegedly returned to the area and attempted to load the abandoned iron pipes 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 added.
The commandant said pipeline vandalism causes significant economic losses to the country while also creating serious risks of explosions and environmental degradation.
Odumosu said the operation had disrupted what the command described as a network allegedly involved in vandalising pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which were originally constructed to facilitate the supply of crude oil and petroleum products to the Kaduna Refinery and other depots across the country.
He disclosed that the arrested suspects had undergone preliminary investigation and profiling and would be considered for administrative bail after meeting the stipulated conditions.
The commandant further revealed that investigations had identified other individuals allegedly connected to the activities, including four suspects who are currently at large.
He said the investigation also pointed to the possible existence of an organised criminal network involved in the vandalism, transportation and illicit sale of components removed from pipeline rights-of-way.
Among the exhibits recovered, according to the NSCDC, was a long commercial truck loaded with 17 vandalised petroleum pipes.
Odumosu appreciated the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, for their support and assured that the Corps would continue its investigation to identify alleged end-buyers and sponsors linked to the activities.
