FCT truck driver, two others held for vandalising NNPC pipeline

Three individuals have been apprehended by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for allegedly vandalising a Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) petroleum pipeline in Dafa, Kwali Area Council, Abuja. The NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, announced the arrests during a press briefing on Wednesday.

The suspects identified as Maitama Inuwa, Yahuza Danlami, and Yasir Abdulrahman, were reportedly members of a group involved in the pipeline vandalism, transportation, and possible illicit sale of the cut pipeline components. The NSCDC's intelligence-led operation, supported by local vigilantes, led to the arrest of the three suspects.

Inuwa, a 30-year-old from Kaduna State, was identified as the truck driver, Danlami, a 32-year-old from Mariri, Lere Local Government Area, as the truck's motor boy, while Abdulrahman, a 26-year-old from Niger State, was described as a representative of the alleged buyers. Preliminary investigations suggest the existence of an organised criminal network involved in the vandalism and illicit activities, with four other suspects at large.

The NSCDC warned of the dangers pipeline vandalism poses to lives, the environment, and the economy, urging residents to report suspicious activities in pipeline corridors to the authorities.