The Nigerian Navy has arrested three suspected pipeline vandals linked to the sabotage of the Oando–Ondewari crude oil pipeline in Ogboinbiri Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun O. Ayo-Vaughan Folorunsho, said the arrests were made during a joint intelligence-led operation involving naval personnel and a private pipeline surveillance outfit.
According to the Navy, the operation was launched following reports of a deliberate breach along the pipeline corridor. A subsequent inspection confirmed that the pipeline had been vandalised, resulting in a crude oil spill and posing a significant threat to critical national energy infrastructure.
Acting on credible intelligence, naval personnel carried out a targeted raid on a suspected hideout in Ondewari Community in the early hours of June 12, 2026. The operation led to the arrest of three suspects allegedly involved in the vandalism.
Preliminary investigations established the suspects’ involvement in the crime, while further inquiries revealed that a fourth suspect remains at large.
The Navy said the successful operation highlights its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure and preventing economic saboteurs from undermining the nation’s economy through acts of vandalism and sabotage.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and conclude investigations. The arrested suspects will subsequently be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its resolve to sustain intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel aimed at safeguarding critical national assets, curbing crude oil theft, and ensuring the security of Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors.
