By Danjuma Amodu
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has arrested three suspected pipeline vandals for allegedly attempting to load vandalised NNPC petroleum pipeline components into a truck in Dafa, Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
The FCT Commandant disclosed this during a press briefing at the scene, saying the arrests followed intelligence-led surveillance and collaboration with a local vigilante group.
The suspects, aged 26, 30 and 32, were arrested on September 20, 2026, while allegedly attempting to evacuate pipeline components they had earlier severed and abandoned after fleeing when NSCDC operatives first arrived at the site.
The Commandant said 17 pieces of vandalised NNPC petroleum pipelines and one commercial truck with registration number MAK 159 XA (Niger) were recovered during the operation.
He said preliminary investigations had identified four other individuals allegedly connected to the operation, who are still at large.
According to him, investigation indicates the possible existence of an organised criminal network involved in the vandalism, movement and illicit sale of components removed from the pipeline right-of-way.
“These reckless activities do not only cause massive economic losses to the country but also pose an immediate risk of catastrophic explosions and environmental degradation,” he said.
The NSCDC said the arrested suspects had undergone preliminary investigation and profiling and were granted administrative bail after meeting stipulated conditions.
The Commandant added that the Command’s Legal Unit would review the case file for appropriate legal action, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects and identify alleged sponsors and end buyers.
He appealed to residents, traditional rulers, community leaders and youths living along pipeline corridors to report suspicious activities, including unusual movement of trucks and digging around pipeline routes, to security agencies.
He commended the Kwali vigilante group and other stakeholders for their support, stressing that community cooperation remains essential to protecting critical national infrastructure.
