By Tayo Ojeiwa
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Thursday exchanged gunfire with suspected pipeline vandals in Obazagbon Community, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, successfully foiling an attempted attack on a Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipeline.
The operation was carried out by officers of the NSCDC Anti-Vandal Unit in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Pipeline Security and Surveillance during a routine patrol of the NNPC pipeline corridor in the community.
According to the NSCDC, the operatives encountered a group of suspected vandals allegedly attempting to damage the pipeline. On sighting the security team, the suspects reportedly opened fire in a bid to evade arrest.
The officers responded, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire that forced the suspects to abandon their operation and flee into a nearby bush. No casualties were recorded during the incident.
A search of the scene led to the recovery of five long gas cylinders, two motorcycles, two shovels, and two digger heads, all believed to have been used in the attempted vandalism.
Reacting to the development, the Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, described the operation as a significant breakthrough in the Corps’ ongoing efforts to combat pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage.
He reiterated the commitment of the NSCDC to safeguarding critical national assets and warned individuals involved in the destruction of public infrastructure that security agencies would continue to track down and prosecute offenders.
Ayinla also appealed to members of the public to support security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence that could help prevent attacks on government facilities and enhance public safety across the state.
The NSCDC said a manhunt has been launched for the fleeing suspects, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all those connected with the attempted pipeline vandalism.
