Security officials in Edo State have arrested six individuals in connection with the destruction and theft of crude oil infrastructure along the Warri–Kaduna pipeline. The suspects were apprehended in Ekperi, where nearly 30 kilometers of underground pipeline were reportedly dug up and removed.

Eugene Okolosie, Chairman of the Edo State Task Force on Recovery of Government Property, disclosed the development in Benin City. He stated that the suspects allegedly worked with local collaborators and used heavy machinery, including excavators, to carry out the illegal operation.

Some of the stolen pipeline materials have already been recovered, and investigations are ongoing to identify additional culprits and determine the full scale of the activity.

In a separate operation, five individuals were arrested in Uhuoghun, Orhionmwon Local Council, for vandalising a government-owned tractor and other machinery, which they reportedly intended to sell.

Another five suspects were apprehended in Okpella for stealing parts of high-tension electricity infrastructure. These repeated cases of vandalism have raised alarms among state officials.

Okolosie expressed concern over increasing cases of illegal land sales and destruction of public property. He revealed that 480 hectares of government land, unlawfully sold by community members, have so far been recovered across the state.

Authorities say they will continue to strengthen enforcement efforts to protect public infrastructure and hold offenders accountable.