The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three suspected pipeline vandals while they were 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 of the alleged vandalism, stating that the arrests followed intelligence-led surveillance and collaboration with a local vigilante group.
The suspects, aged 26, 30, and 32, were allegedly arrested on 20 September 2026 while attempting to evacuate pipeline components that they had earlier severed and abandoned after fleeing when NSCDC operatives initially arrived at the site.
The Commandant confirmed that 17 pieces of vandalised NNPC petroleum pipelines and a commercial truck (registration number MAK 159 XA, Niger) were recovered during the operation.
He added that preliminary investigations had identified four other individuals allegedly connected to the operation, who remain at large.
According to him, the investigation indicated the possible existence of an organised criminal network involved in the vandalism, transport, and illicit sale of components removed from the pipeline right-of-way.
‘These reckless activities 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 stated that the arrested suspects had undergone preliminary investigation and profiling, and were 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 efforts were being intensified to apprehend the remaining suspects and identify their alleged sponsors and buyers.
He appealed to residents, traditional rulers, community leaders, and youths living along pipeline corridors to report any suspicious activity—including the 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.
