NSCDC intercepts truck loaded with stolen NNPC pipes in Adamawa

The Adamawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intercepted a truck loaded with over 200 stolen pipes belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

This latest arrest comes barely three weeks after a similar incident in which another truck carrying more than 300 NNPC pipes was seized in the state.

Speaking to journalists in Yola on Monday, the State Commandant, Idris Bande, said the operation followed an intelligence report from vigilant villagers who sighted the suspicious truck and alerted the command.

“The villagers took pictures of the truck and its plate number and sent them to us for immediate action,” Bande explained.

He said officers were swiftly deployed along the Jalingo–Yola road, where the truck was intercepted.

However, the driver allegedly tampered with the vehicle to immobilize it in an attempt to evade arrest.

“We contacted the truck owner, who promised to show up but never did.

“After six days of waiting, we towed the vehicle to our headquarters in Yola,” the commandant said.

Upon inspection, officials discovered over 200 iron pipes confirmed by the NNPC Depot Manager in Adamawa to be property of the corporation.

Bande added that investigation had been concluded and the suspects would soon be charged to court.

One of the suspects, identified as Adamu Ahmed, the truck driver, confessed that he was transporting the pipes to Gombe for sale.

He also alleged that soldiers and NSCDC officers escorted him to the village where the pipes were loaded.

Commandant Bande condemned the incident, describing it as economic sabotage, and warned vandals and thieves of government property to desist or face prosecution.

He emphasized that the command remains committed to protecting critical national infrastructure and will continue working with local communities to prevent further vandalism.

“The success of this operation was made possible by community vigilance,” Bande said, urging citizens to remain alert and report suspicious activities around government installations.

The NSCDC noted that the interception follows its earlier operation on September 30, 2025, when five suspects were arrested for allegedly stealing 204 units of NNPC pipes concealed under farm produce along the Jalingo–Numan road.