The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Edo State Command, has thwarted an attempt by suspected vandals to damage a petroleum pipeline, recovering equipment allegedly used for the operation in Obazagbon Community, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of the state.
The Punch reported that the development was announced by the Edo State Commandant, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, in a statement released on Friday through the command’s Public Relations Officer, Ogbebor Efosa.
According to the statement, the operation took place on July 16, 2026, during a routine patrol by 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 commandant said, “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.”
Ayinla described the successful operation as another significant achievement in the command’s ongoing campaign to secure the nation’s critical assets and infrastructure from sabotage.
He cautioned vandals and those backing them to steer clear of public infrastructure, especially oil and gas facilities, warning that the command would continue to pursue anyone involved in such illegal activities.
“Our operatives are already on the trail of the fleeing suspects. They cannot evade justice forever. We are committed to apprehending everyone connected with this criminal act, including their sponsors and collaborators, and ensuring they face the full weight of the law,” he added.
The commandant also urged residents of Edo State to support security agencies by volunteering credible and timely intelligence capable of preventing pipeline vandalism and other crimes.
He assured members of the public that any information provided would be handled with strict confidentiality.
Ayinla reaffirmed the NSCDC Edo State Command’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure while protecting lives and property across the state.
