The Nigerian Navy has thwarted a suspected pipeline vandalism operation in Imo State, intercepting stolen crude oil pipeline sections and arresting two suspected members of a pipeline vandalism syndicate.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was carried out by personnel of Naval Base (NB) Oguta following credible intelligence.
During the operation, naval personnel intercepted a Mercedes truck transporting 10 sections of crude oil pipeline suspected to have been illegally removed from the Addax Petroleum pipeline network along the Osu–Obodo Road corridor in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
The Navy said one suspect was arrested while escorting the consignment, while a second suspected member of the syndicate was apprehended during follow-up operations. It added that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other members of the criminal network still at large.
The successful operation prevented the suspected vandals from evacuating the stolen pipeline materials, thereby averting further damage to critical national infrastructure and preserving vital evidence for ongoing investigations.
The Nigerian Navy described the operation as another significant breakthrough in its sustained campaign against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage.
It reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven operations aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s strategic oil and gas infrastructure and disrupting criminal networks operating in the sector.
The Navy also pledged to continue collaborating with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to protect critical national assets, strengthen internal security, and support the nation’s economic stability.
