Nigerian Navy Arrests Two, Recovers Stolen Oil Pipelines in Imo Anti-Vandalism Operation

The Nigerian Navy has dealt another blow to oil thieves after intercepting suspected stolen crude oil pipeline sections and arresting two suspected members of a pipeline vandalism syndicate in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.

The operation, carried out by personnel of Naval Base (NB) Oguta, was based on intelligence that led operatives to a Mercedes truck transporting 10 sections of crude oil pipelines believed to have been illegally removed from the Addax Petroleum pipeline network along the Osu–Obodo Road corridor.

Confirming the operation, the Navy’s Director of Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the interception formed part of the service’s ongoing campaign against economic sabotage and the protection of Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure.

According to him, one suspect was arrested while escorting the truck carrying the vandalised pipeline sections, while another alleged member of the criminal syndicate was apprehended during follow-up operations.

Folorunsho added that security operatives are continuing efforts to track down other members of the network who remain at large.

He explained that the timely operation prevented the syndicate from successfully transporting the stolen pipeline materials, limiting further damage to vital national assets while preserving key evidence for ongoing investigations.

“The operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s sustained commitment to protecting Nigeria’s strategic oil and gas infrastructure through intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks engaged in pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and other acts of economic sabotage,” he said.

The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to combat pipeline vandalism, safeguard critical national infrastructure and strengthen Nigeria’s economic security through sustained intelligence-led operations.