Nigeria's NSCDC Stops Pipeline Vandalism in Edo State

On July 16, 2026, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Edo State Command’s Anti‑Vandal Unit, together with the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Pipeline Security, intercepted a group of suspects excavating an NNPC oil pipeline at Obazagbon community in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area. When the operatives arrived, the suspects opened fire and fled, but the NSCDC forced them to abandon the operation. Officers recovered five long gas cylinders, two motorcycles, two shovels and two digger heads.

State Commandant Akintayo Saidi Ayinla described the operation as a major breakthrough in protecting Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure. He warned that criminal elements and their sponsors would be pursued and urged local residents to provide timely information to aid security efforts.