Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation WHIRL STROKE, have foiled a suspected pipeline vandalism attempt in Gou community, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, with the arrest of an 18-year-old motorcycle rider allegedly caught transporting a section of the pipeline.
The suspect, identified as Aondoyima Agber, was arrested on Tuesday during an intelligence-led operation following reports of suspected pipeline vandalism in the area.
The development was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer at the headquarters of JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu.
According to the statement, troops were conducting a fighting patrol when they received intelligence about the suspected activities of pipeline vandals in the community.
The troops immediately moved to the reported location but discovered that the suspected vandals had fled before their arrival.
However, Agber was apprehended while allegedly attempting to transport a section of the pipeline on a motorcycle.
The statement added that the suspect remained in custody pending further directives from the appropriate authorities.
It noted that troops had intensified their presence in the area to deter criminal activities, safeguard critical national infrastructure and disrupt the operations of armed groups.
The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE and General Officer Commanding, 5 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift response to the intelligence received.
Gara described the operation as a proactive effort to prevent the vandalism of critical national assets and urged individuals involved in the destruction of public infrastructure to desist from such acts.
He also called on residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies to strengthen efforts to combat crime.
The commander further emphasised the importance of collaboration between security agencies and local communities in addressing criminal activities and maintaining peace and security across the task force's area of responsibility.
