NSCDC arrests three over alleged NNPC pipeline vandalism in Abuja
NSCDC Arrests Three Suspects in Pipeline Vandalism Case
The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has detained three individuals, including a truck driver, in connection with the alleged vandalism of pipelines owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) in Dafa village, located within the Kwali Area Council of Abuja.
Dr. Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the FCT Command, announced the arrests during a press briefing on Wednesday at the NSCDC Kwali Divisional Office. The operation was conducted under the directive of Commandant General Ahmed Audi, aiming to address the growing issues of oil theft and economic sabotage in the territory.
The arrests followed actionable intelligence reports about vandalism along the NNPC pipeline route in Dafa village. “The operation was the result of intelligence-led efforts, active community participation, and the unwavering diligence of our operatives,” Odumosu stated.
NSCDC operatives initiated surveillance after receiving alerts from a local vigilance group concerning suspicious activities surrounding the pipelines. According to Odumosu, the suspects initially fled upon noticing the security presence, abandoning some sections of the pipeline that had been severed. However, on September 20, they returned to load the abandoned pipes onto a truck, which led to their apprehension.
Assisted by members of the vigilance group, NSCDC operatives arrested three suspects: Maitama Inuwa, 30, a truck driver from Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State; Yahuza Danlami, 32, also from Lere and serving as the motor boy; and Yasir Abdulrahman, 26, from Suleja in Niger State, who was allegedly acting as an intermediary for the purchasers of the stolen pipes.
Investigations have identified four additional suspects who remain at large, and the command plans to broaden its inquiry to uncover the full extent of the vandalism network. The NSCDC also recovered a commercial truck bearing the registration number MAK 159 XA (Niger) loaded with the stolen pipes, alongside 17 sections of vandalized petroleum pipes.
Odumosu noted that this syndicate appears to operate primarily in remote, wooded areas where pipelines traverse the FCT. He described how they covertly excavate and damage high-pressure pipelines under the cover of darkness before transporting them.
The detained suspects have undergone preliminary investigation and profiling and were subsequently granted administrative bail after fulfilling specific conditions. The NSCDC’s Legal Unit will review the case file for possible legal action.
Additionally, the command intends to investigate individuals suspected of financing or purchasing the stolen pipes, with plans to enforce the provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act against those found guilty.
“I assure the public that the investigation will be conducted professionally and transparently, in compliance with legal standards,” Odumosu said, emphasizing that those involved in the alleged crimes would face prosecution.
