The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), working alongside the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Pipeline Surveillance and Security, has arrested two men suspected of vandalising oil pipelines in Edo State.
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‎The suspects were apprehended at a cattle market in Idumabor, Ekpoma, located in Esan West Local Government Area, after intelligence linked them to the destruction of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines and other vital national infrastructure.
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‎The development was confirmed on Sunday in a statement issued by Media Aide to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele.
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‎According to the statement, the operation aligns with Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which prioritises public safety, the protection of critical infrastructure and improved security across the state.
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‎The suspects, identified as 55-year-old Kadiri Isah and 27-year-old Mustapha Naphiyu, had reportedly been under surveillance by the Edo State Command of the NSCDC before security operatives tracked them to the cattle market, where they were arrested.
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‎NSCDC spokesperson in Edo State, CSC Efosa Ogbebor, disclosed that preliminary investigations had already produced useful intelligence regarding the suspects’ alleged involvement in pipeline vandalism.
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‎He added that security agencies were intensifying efforts to apprehend other individuals believed to be part of the same criminal network.
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‎”The suspects were arrested after they were successfully tracked to the cattle market. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate, and those in custody will face prosecution in accordance with the law,” Ogbebor stated.
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‎The Edo State Command, under the leadership of Commandant Akintayo Ayinla, reaffirmed its determination to protect critical national assets and infrastructure from acts of sabotage.
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‎The command also warned those involved in pipeline vandalism and other economic crimes to desist, stressing that intelligence gathering, surveillance and enforcement operations would continue across the state.
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‎The Edo State Government reiterated its commitment to working closely with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to tackle economic sabotage, protect public assets and maintain a secure environment for residents, businesses and investors. It noted that pipeline vandalism continues to threaten energy supply, government revenue and investor confidence.