The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory Command, has arrested three suspected pipeline vandals during an operation at Dafa in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
The suspects, aged 26, 30 and 32, were allegedly caught on September 20, 2026, while attempting to load vandalised components of an NNPC petroleum pipeline into a commercial truck.
The FCT Commandant disclosed the arrests during a press briefing at the scene of the alleged vandalism, saying the operation followed intelligence-led surveillance and collaboration with a local vigilante group.
According to the Commandant, the suspects had earlier severed sections of the pipeline but fled the scene when NSCDC operatives arrived. They were subsequently apprehended while allegedly returning to evacuate the vandalised components.
Seventeen pieces of vandalised NNPC petroleum pipeline and a commercial truck, with registration number MAK 159 XA, Niger, were recovered during the operation.
The Commandant said preliminary investigations had also identified four other individuals allegedly linked to the operation, but they remained at large.
He disclosed that ongoing investigations pointed to the possible involvement of an organised criminal network allegedly responsible for vandalising pipelines, transporting the stolen components and facilitating their illicit sale.
“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,” the Commandant said.
The NSCDC said the three arrested suspects had undergone preliminary investigation and profiling before being granted administrative bail after meeting stipulated conditions.
The Commandant explained that the Command’s Legal Unit would review the case for appropriate legal action, while operatives continued efforts to apprehend the four fleeing suspects and establish the identities of alleged sponsors and end buyers.
He urged residents, traditional rulers, community leaders and youths living along pipeline corridors to promptly report suspicious activities, including unusual movements of trucks and unauthorised excavation around pipeline routes, to security agencies.
The Commandant commended the Kwali vigilante group and other stakeholders for their cooperation, stressing that sustained community participation was critical to protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure and preventing further economic and environmental damage.
