Nigeria police seize 285 vandalized pipelines and arrest seven suspects in Adamawa

The Nigeria Police Force, through the IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering and the IGP X‑Squad, carried out an operation in Adamawa State on July 9, 2026. Acting on intelligence, officers intercepted a J5 bus loaded with vandalized Nigerian National Petroleum Company pipelines along the Yola‑Numan Road. The bus, driven by Paul Joshua and accompanied by Paul Ishiyaku, was seized and a search uncovered 285 pieces of stolen pipelines, six gas cylinders, diggers, shovels and other equipment.

Seven suspects were arrested: Haruna Usman (28), Haruna Muhammed Sule (30), Dabus Peter (38), Ahmad Adamu (19), Sadik Ibrahim (31), Paul Joshua (49) and Paul Ishiyaku (48). All recovered items have been secured as evidence, and the suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue. Police spokesperson CSP Anietie Iniedu said the force is committed to protecting critical national infrastructure and urges the public to report any related information.