Army foils pipeline vandalism attempt, arrests 18-Year-old suspect in Benue

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have foiled an alleged pipeline vandalism attempt at Gou community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, arresting an 18-year-old motorcycle rider suspected of attempting to transport a section of the pipeline.

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

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Acting Media Information Officer of the JTF, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, said the troops were conducting a fighting patrol when they received information about the suspected vandalism.

According to him, the troops immediately moved to the reported location but found that the suspected vandals had fled.

However, the soldiers apprehended an 18-year-old motorcycle rider, identified as Aondoyima Agber, who was allegedly attempting to transport a section of the pipeline.

The statement added that the suspect was in custody, awaiting further directives.

“The suspect is currently in custody, awaiting further directives, while troops continue to dominate the general area to deter criminal activities, prevent further attacks on critical national infrastructure and frustrate the operations of armed bandits,” the statement added.

It said troops had continued to dominate the general area to deter criminal activities, prevent attacks on critical national infrastructure and frustrate the operations of armed bandits.

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The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE and General Officer Commanding, 5 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their prompt response.

Gara described the operation as a proactive measure to prevent the vandalism of critical national assets.

He warned individuals involved in the destruction of public infrastructure to desist from such acts, stressing the need to protect vital national assets.

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

He further emphasised the importance of community cooperation in tackling criminal activities and sustaining peace and security across the task force’s area of responsibility.