The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, has thwarted an attempted pipeline vandalism operation and recovered equipment allegedly used by suspected vandals in Obazagbon Community, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.
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 Ayinla, the operation took place on July 16 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.
“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,” he said.
The commandant said the suspects opened fire after spotting security operatives in an attempt to escape.
“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,” he added.
Security personnel recovered five long gas cylinders, two motorcycles, two shovels and two digger heads from the scene.
Ayinla described the operation as a major breakthrough in the command’s ongoing efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s critical national assets and infrastructure.
He warned individuals involved in vandalising public facilities, especially oil and gas installations, to desist, stressing that security agencies would continue to pursue offenders and their sponsors.
“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 said.
The commandant also appealed to residents of Edo State to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of preventing vandalism and other criminal activities.
He assured members of the public that information supplied to the command would be handled confidentially.
Ayinla reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to protect critical infrastructure and ensure the safety of lives and property across Edo State.
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