Security Agencies Nab Two Suspected Pipeline Vandals in Edo

By Rosemary Okoduwa

Two suspected pipeline vandals have been arrested in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, in a major breakthrough in the ongoing efforts of the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration to combat economic sabotage and safeguard critical national assets.

According to a statement signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the suspects were apprehended during a joint operation by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pipeline Surveillance and Security, in line with the security component of the administration’s SHINE Agenda aimed at creating a safer environment, protecting critical infrastructure and boosting public confidence.

The suspects, identified as Kadiri Isah, 55, and Mustapha Naphiyu, 27, were arrested at the cattle market in Idumabor, Ekpoma, following intelligence reports linking them to the vandalism of NNPC oil pipelines and other critical national assets. They had reportedly been under surveillance by the NSCDC Edo State Command before they were tracked and apprehended.

The NSCDC disclosed that preliminary investigations had yielded useful information regarding the suspects’ alleged involvement in pipeline vandalism, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected syndicate and dismantle the wider criminal network operating in the state.

The statement noted that pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage pose serious threats to national development by disrupting energy supply, reducing government revenue and discouraging investment.

It reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s commitment to working closely with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to protect public infrastructure, strengthen security and create an enabling environment for residents, businesses and investors.

The suspects are expected to face prosecution in accordance with the law.

The NSCDC Edo State Command, under the leadership of Commandant Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, reiterated its resolve to protect critical national assets and warned individuals involved in pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage to desist, stressing that intelligence-driven operations and enforcement measures would continue across the state.

The Command’s spokesman, CSC Ogbebor Efosa, also reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to partnering with the Edo State Government and other security agencies to maintain peace, safeguard infrastructure and support sustainable development.