Navy foils pipeline vandalism network, recovers stolen pipelines in Imo

By Kingsley Omonobi

The Nigerian Navy, in furtherance of an operational campaign against economic sabotage, has intercepted suspected vandalised crude oil pipeline sections and arrested suspected members of a pipeline vandalism syndicate in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.

Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Information, while making this known, said, “The intelligence-led operation was conducted by personnel of Naval Base (NB) Oguta, leading to the interception of a Mercedes truck conveying 10 sections of crude oil pipeline suspected to have been illegally removed from the Addax Petroleum pipeline network along the Osu–Obodo Road corridor.

“The operation further resulted in the arrest of two suspects believed to be linked to the criminal network responsible for the vandalism.

“One of the suspects was apprehended while escorting the consignment, while another suspected member of the syndicate was subsequently arrested during follow-on operations.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the network who remain at large.

“The timely interception denied the criminal syndicate the opportunity to evacuate the vandalised pipeline materials, thereby preventing further damage to critical national infrastructure and preserving evidence crucial to ongoing investigations.

“The operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s sustained commitment to protecting Nigeria’s strategic oil and gas infrastructure through intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks engaged in pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and other acts of economic sabotage.

“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to sustain pressure on criminal elements, protect critical national assets, and enhance internal security in support of national economic stability.”

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