Army Foils Pipeline Vandalism Attempt, Arrests 18-Year-Old Suspect in Benue

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have foiled an alleged pipeline vandalism attempt in Gou community, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, and arrested an 18-year-old suspect.

The suspect, identified as Aondoyima Agber, was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation conducted on Tuesday, October 20, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the task force.

The statement was signed by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS headquarters, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu.

According to the military, troops were conducting a fighting patrol when they received information about the activities of suspected pipeline vandals in the community.

Upon arriving at the reported location, the soldiers discovered that the suspected vandals had fled. However, they arrested Agber, a motorcycle rider who was allegedly attempting to transport a section of the pipeline.

The suspect remains in custody pending further directives from the appropriate authorities.

The task force said troops had continued operations in the area to deter criminal activities, prevent attacks on critical national infrastructure and disrupt the activities of armed groups.

The Force Commander of OPWS and General Officer Commanding the Nigerian Army’s 5 Division, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their prompt response, describing the operation as a proactive effort to protect critical national assets.

Gara warned individuals involved in the vandalism of public infrastructure to desist from such activities, stressing the importance of safeguarding facilities essential to the nation’s economic and developmental interests.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.

The military emphasised that cooperation between security forces and local communities remained important in preventing vandalism and other criminal activities across the task force’s area of responsibility.

The arrest comes amid continued security operations in Benue State aimed at protecting communities and critical infrastructure from criminal threats.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the alleged pipeline’s ownership, the extent of any damage or whether additional suspects have been identified. The suspect’s alleged involvement remains subject to investigation.