Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Edo State Government has arrested two suspected pipeline vandals in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, in a joint operation carried out under the security component of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda.
A statement issued Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Government, Dr Patrick Ebojele, confirmed that the arrests followed a coordinated operation by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pipeline Surveillance and Security.
The suspects, identified as Kadiri Isah, 55, and Mustapha Naphiyu, 27, were apprehended at a cattle market in Idumabor, Ekpoma, following intelligence reports regarding individuals allegedly involved in the vandalism of NNPC oil pipelines and other critical national assets.
According to the statement, both suspects had been under surveillance by the NSCDC Edo State Command before they were tracked and arrested.
The Command disclosed that preliminary investigations had yielded useful information from the suspects regarding their alleged involvement in criminal activities. Efforts are currently ongoing to arrest other members of the suspected syndicate and dismantle the wider network behind pipeline vandalism in the state.
Pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage remain major threats to development, with such crimes affecting energy supply, government revenue, and investor confidence.
The Edo State Government has reiterated its commitment to collaborating with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to prevent criminal activities, protect public assets, and create a secure environment for residents, businesses, and investors.
The suspects are expected to face prosecution according to the law.
The NSCDC Edo State Command, under the leadership of Commandant Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, reaffirmed its dedication to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.
The Command issued a stern warning to individuals involved in pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage to desist from such acts, stressing that security agencies would continue to deploy intelligence gathering, surveillance, and enforcement measures to safeguard Edo State.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Ogbebor Efosa, said the corps would continue to work with the Edo State Government and other security agencies to maintain peace, protect infrastructure, and support sustainable development across the state.
