Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested five suspected pipeline vandals linked to the destruction of a Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) pipeline in Ekpoma.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, 1 February 2026, in Benin City.
According to the statement, the suspects were arrested on Monday, 26 January 2026, at about 9:30 a.m. by operatives of the Ekpoma Division following credible intelligence about vandalism along the NNPC pipeline route passing through Uhiele Community, Ekpoma.
Police officers reportedly mobilised immediately to the scene after receiving the tip-off and apprehended five individuals allegedly connected to the act.
The suspects were identified as Omoregie Osayi, Mathias Okhae, John Akheoumukhan, Akhabue Smart, and Godday Abumere.
Authorities also recovered an excavator believed to have been used in damaging the pipeline.
ASP Ikoedem said efforts are ongoing to track down other suspects who fled the scene and to recover pipeline materials already taken away.
She attributed the success of the operation to sustained security strategies introduced by the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, aimed at dismantling criminal networks and protecting critical infrastructure.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while disrupting organised crime across the state. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible information with law enforcement to support proactive policing.
