THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has arrested three suspected members of an organised criminal syndicate for allegedly vandalising Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines in the Dafa area of Kwali Area Council, Abuja.

The FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, who briefed journalists at the Kwali Divisional Office yesterday, disclosed that the arrests were achieved through intelligence led operations, prolonged surveillance and active community collaboration.

He stated that operatives intercepted a commercial truck with registration number MAK 159 XA (Niger) loaded with 17 severed pieces of high-pressure NNPC petroleum pipes.

The affected infrastructure was originally built to supply crude oil and other petroleum products to the Kaduna Refinery and distribute the same to depots across the country.

The arrested suspects were identified as Maitama Inuwa, 30 who is the truck driver from Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Yahuza Danlami, 32, the motor boy and Yasir Abdulrahman, 26, from Niger State, who acted as the representative of the illicit pipe dealers.

Explaining their modus operandi, Odumosu noted that the vandals typically operate in remote and forested areas where the pipelines transit through the FCT.

He said “When it is dark, they deliberately dig up and cut these high pressure pipelines into sizable pieces for easy loading into their trucks.

“This reckless activity does not only cause massive economic losses to the country but also poses an immediate risk of catastrophic explosions and environmental degradation.”

According to the Commandant, the suspects initially fled and abandoned the severed pipes upon sighting NSCDC operatives. However, on September 20, 2026, they returned to load the pipes into their truck and were swiftly apprehended by the surveillance team with the strategic support of local vigilantes.

Four other gang members managed to escape into the surrounding bush and are currently at large.

Odumosu disclosed that the arrested suspects had been profiled and granted administrative bail after fulfilling stipulated conditions. He added that the Command’s Legal Unit is reviewing the case file for prosecution under the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

“The Command will work tirelessly to identify the end-buyers, the sponsors bankrolling this sabotage and subsequently enforce the full weight of the law,. “Anyone found to have participated in, facilitated or benefited from the alleged criminal activities shall be prosecuted before a court of competent jurisdiction,” he assured.

Commending the Kwali Vigilante Group for their crucial assistance, the Commandant urged traditional rulers, youth, and residents along the pipeline corridors to remain vigilant and avoid shielding economic saboteurs.

The Commandant pointed that “Pipeline vandalism does not only constitute an economic crime but also poses significant security and developmental risks. When you see something, please say something, and the NSCDC will do something as you have all seen today.”