The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has foiled an attempted pipeline vandalism operation in Edo State, recovering several items allegedly used by suspected vandals during the failed operation at Obazagbon Community in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.
The Edo State Command of the NSCDC said the suspects fled into the bush after engaging security operatives in a gun battle, abandoning equipment believed to have been deployed for the illegal operation.
The State Commandant, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday through the command’s Public Relations Officer, Ogbebor Efosa.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out on Thursday, July 16, 2026, during a routine patrol by operatives of the command’s Anti-Vandal Unit in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Pipeline Security and Surveillance.
The patrol team was monitoring the Nigerian National Petroleum Company pipeline corridor at Obazagbon when it stumbled upon a group of suspected pipeline vandals allegedly excavating and tampering with the pipeline.
Ayinla explained that the suspects immediately opened fire on the approaching security operatives in what appeared to be a desperate bid to evade arrest. He, however, noted that the NSCDC personnel responded swiftly and professionally, forcing the suspected criminals to abandon their operation and flee into the surrounding forest.
“On July 16, 2026, at about 1:00 p.m., operatives of the Command’s Anti-Vandal Unit, working in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Pipeline Security and Surveillance, were on a routine patrol along the NNPC pipeline corridor at Obazagbon when they encountered a group of suspected pipeline vandals excavating and vandalising the pipeline.
“Upon sighting the security operatives, the suspects opened fire in a desperate attempt to escape. The NSCDC personnel responded, forcing the criminals to abandon the operation and flee into the surrounding bush.
“Items recovered from the scene include five long gas cylinders, two motorcycles, two shovels and two digger heads,” the statement read. The command said the recovered exhibits have been taken into custody as investigations continue to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attempted sabotage.
Commandant Ayinla described the successful operation as another significant achievement in the command’s ongoing campaign against economic sabotage and the destruction of critical national assets.
He reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting oil and gas infrastructure across Edo State, stressing that pipeline vandalism remains a serious threat to Nigeria’s economy, energy security and environmental sustainability.
The commandant commended the professionalism, courage and vigilance displayed by the Anti-Vandal Unit during the operation, noting that the collaboration with the state government’s pipeline security office has continued to yield positive results in safeguarding vital infrastructure.
He also warned individuals involved in pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage to abandon such criminal activities or face the full weight of the law. Ayinla assured residents of communities located along pipeline corridors that the NSCDC would sustain intensive patrols, surveillance and intelligence-driven operations aimed at preventing attacks on oil and gas facilities.
He further appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements and activities around pipelines and other critical infrastructure.
According to him, public cooperation remains essential in the fight against pipeline vandalism, adding that community participation would strengthen efforts to protect national assets and ensure the safety of lives and property.
The NSCDC reiterated its resolve to intensify its operations across the state until those responsible for the attempted vandalism are tracked down and brought to justice.
