The Taraba State Police Command has arrested nine suspects over the vandalism of a Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipeline along the Kona Mountains and Minda axis.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, James Lashen Saminu, the arrests were made on September 15, 2025, at about 10:13 a.m. following intelligence reports that vandals were tampering with the pipeline.

Operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, led by Ayuba Yohanna, responded swiftly and apprehended the suspects during the illegal activity.

Those arrested have been identified as:

Lagne Apollos (20)

Isa Aminu (20)

Ahmad Aminu (15)

Kamal Abubakar (25)

Solomon Tanko (20)

Simon Mathias (19)

Victor Kanu (26)

Dogara Patrick (21)

Emmanuel Apollos (20)

Recovered items from the scene include 30 cut-to-size pipes, welding cylinders, gas cylinders, shovels, chains, scissors, hammers, and a vintage Ridgid tool.

“The suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in police custody as investigations continue,” the statement read.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding critical national infrastructure, warning that anyone caught engaging in sabotage will face the full weight of the law.