Navy arrests 2 suspected pipeline vandals
The Nigerian Navy has dismantled a suspected pipeline vandalism syndicate in Imo State, arresting two suspects and recovering 10 sections of crude oil pipeline allegedly stolen from the Addax Petroleum pipeline network. The intelligence-led operation was carried out by personnel of Naval Base (NB) Oguta in Oguta Local Government Area, where operatives intercepted a Mercedes […]
The Nigerian Navy has dismantled a suspected pipeline vandalism syndicate in Imo State, arresting two suspects and recovering 10 sections of crude oil pipeline allegedly stolen from the Addax Petroleum pipeline network.
The intelligence-led operation was carried out by personnel of Naval Base (NB) Oguta in Oguta Local Government Area, where operatives intercepted a Mercedes truck transporting the vandalised pipeline sections along the Osu–Obodo Road corridor.
In a statement, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the truck was conveying the pipeline sections, suspected to have been illegally removed from the oil facility, when it was intercepted by naval personnel.
He disclosed that one of the suspects was arrested while escorting the truck, while another alleged member of the vandalism syndicate was apprehended during a follow-up operation.
According to him, security operatives have launched a manhunt for other members of the criminal network who remain at large, as investigations continue to unravel the full extent of the group’s activities.
Folorunsho said the swift operation prevented the syndicate from successfully evacuating the stolen pipeline materials, thereby averting further damage to critical oil infrastructure and preserving vital evidence for prosecution.
He described the operation as another significant success in the Nigerian Navy’s sustained campaign against pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and other acts of economic sabotage.
The Navy spokesman reaffirmed the service’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies and stakeholders to protect strategic national assets, dismantle criminal networks and strengthen internal security in support of Nigeria’s economic stability.