Edo NSCDC Apprehends Two Pipeline Vandal Suspects in Joint Operation

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Edo State, acting in concert with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Pipeline Surveillance and Security, have successfully apprehended two individuals suspected of pipeline vandalism. The arrests took place at a cattle market in Idumabor, Ekpoma, within the Esan West Local Government Area. This operation followed specific intelligence reports that linked the suspects to the alleged sabotage of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) oil pipelines and other vital national infrastructure.

The development was officially announced on Sunday in a statement released by Patrick Ebojele, the media aide to Governor Monday Okpebholo. The statement read: “In line with the security component of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which focuses on creating a safer environment, protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening public confidence, two suspected pipeline vandals have been arrested in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The arrest followed a joint operation by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Pipeline Surveillance and Security. The suspects were arrested at a cattle market in Idumabor, Ekpoma, following intelligence reports on the activities of individuals allegedly involved in the vandalism of NNPC oil pipelines and other critical national assets. The suspects, identified as Kadiri Isah, 55, and Mustapha Naphiyu, 27, had been under surveillance by the NSCDC Edo State Command before they were tracked and apprehended.”

CSC Efosa Ogbebor, the spokesperson for the NSCDC Edo State Command, disclosed that preliminary investigations have already yielded valuable information concerning the suspects' alleged involvement in pipeline vandalism. He further stated that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected syndicate. Ogbebor was quoted saying, “The suspects were arrested after they were tracked to the cattle market. Efforts were ongoing to arrest other suspects linked to the syndicate. The suspects will be prosecuted according to the law.”

The NSCDC Edo State Command, operating under the leadership of Commandant Akintayo Ayinla, reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure across the state. The command issued a strong warning to all individuals involved in pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage, stressing that intelligence gathering, continuous surveillance, and rigorous enforcement operations would persist to ensure the comprehensive protection of vital infrastructure.

Pipeline vandalism continues to pose a significant threat to Nigeria's energy supply, government revenue, and investor confidence. The Edo State Government affirmed its dedication to continued collaboration with various security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to combat economic sabotage, preserve public assets, and foster a secure environment for all residents, businesses, and investors within the state.