The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on pipeline vandalism, intercepting suspected stolen crude oil pipeline sections and arresting two suspected members of a vandalism syndicate during an intelligence-led operation in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State. The operation was carried out by personnel of the Naval Base (NB) Oguta as part of ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage targeting Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.
According to the Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, naval operatives intercepted a Mercedes truck transporting 10 sections of crude oil pipelines suspected to have been illegally removed from the Addax Petroleum pipeline network along the Osu–Obodo Road corridor. He said the successful operation prevented the suspected vandals from moving the recovered pipeline materials to an unknown destination.
The Navy disclosed that one suspect was arrested while accompanying the truck carrying the pipeline sections, while another alleged member of the criminal network was apprehended during follow-up operations. Security operatives are continuing investigations and have launched efforts to track down other suspected members of the syndicate who remain at large.
The Navy said the swift intervention not only prevented further destruction of vital oil infrastructure but also preserved key evidence needed for ongoing investigations into the activities of the suspected criminal network. The service noted that intelligence-led operations remain central to its strategy for dismantling organised groups involved in pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and related economic crimes.
Captain Folorunsho reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s strategic oil and gas facilities through sustained security operations. He added that the Navy would continue collaborating with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to disrupt criminal networks, protect critical national assets and strengthen internal security in support of Nigeria’s economic stability.
