Nigerian Navy intercepts stolen pipeline sections, arrests two suspects in Imo

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has foiled an alleged pipeline vandalism operation in Imo State, intercepting a truck loaded with suspected stolen crude oil pipeline sections and arresting two suspected members of a pipeline vandalism syndicate.

The operation was carried out by personnel of Naval Base Oguta in Oguta Local Government Area following intelligence reports.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy said its personnel intercepted a Mercedes truck conveying 10 sections of crude oil pipeline believed to have been illegally removed from the Addax Petroleum pipeline network alongthe Osu–Obodo Road corridor.

The statement said one suspect was arrested while escorting the consignment, while another alleged member of the syndicate was apprehended during follow-up operations.

According to the Navy, efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other members of the criminal network still at large.

The service said the timely interception prevented the syndicate from evacuating the vandalised pipeline materials, thereby averting further damage to critical national infrastructure and preserving vital evidence for ongoing investigations.

The Navy described the operation as part of its sustained campaign against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms ofeconomic sabotage through intelligence-driven operations.

It reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to protect the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure, safeguard critical national assets and enhance internal security in support of economic stability.