OPWS Foils Pipeline Vandalism, Arrests Suspect in Benue

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have foiled an alleged pipeline vandalism attempt in Gou community, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, arresting an 18-year-old motorcycle rider suspected of transporting a section of the pipeline.

The operation was carried out on October 20, 2026, following intelligence reports about the activities of suspected pipeline vandals in the community.

The Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters JTF OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the troops were conducting a fighting patrol when they received information about the suspected vandals.

The statement said the suspects fled upon the troops’ arrival at the reported location, but the soldiers apprehended an 18-year-old motorcycle rider, identified as Aondoyima Agber, who was allegedly attempting to transport a section of the pipeline.

It added that the suspect remained in custody, awaiting further directives, while troops continued security operations in the area to deter criminal activities.

The task force said the ongoing operations were aimed at preventing attacks on critical national infrastructure and frustrating the activities of armed bandits within its area of responsibility.

The Force Commander, JTF OPWS, and General Officer Commanding (GOC), 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their prompt response to the intelligence report.

Gara described the operation as a proactive step towards protecting critical national assets from vandalism and other criminal activities.

He warned individuals involved in the destruction of public infrastructure to desist from such acts, emphasising the importance of safeguarding vital national assets.

The military commander also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the relevant security agencies.

He reiterated the importance of community cooperation in the fight against crime, noting that public support was essential to sustaining peace and security across the Joint Task Force’s area of responsibility.