Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Pipeline Surveillance and Security, have arrested two suspected pipeline vandals in Edo State.
The suspects were apprehended at a cattle market in Idumabor, Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, following intelligence reports linking them to the vandalism of Nigerian National Petroleum Company oil pipelines and other critical national assets.
The arrests were disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s media aide, Patrick Ebojele.
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.”
The spokesman for the NSCDC Edo State Command, CSC Efosa Ogbebor, said preliminary investigations had yielded useful information regarding the suspects’ alleged involvement in pipeline vandalism.
He added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected syndicate.
“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,” Ogbebor said.
The NSCDC Edo State Command, led by Commandant Akintayo Ayinla, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.
The command also warned individuals involved in pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage to desist, stressing that intelligence gathering, surveillance and enforcement operations would continue to ensure the protection of critical infrastructure.
Pipeline vandalism remains a major threat to energy supply, government revenue and investor confidence.
The Edo State Government said it would continue to collaborate with security agencies and other stakeholders to combat economic sabotage, safeguard public assets and maintain a secure environment for residents, businesses and investors.
