Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, 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 attempting to transport a section of the pipeline.
The suspect, identified as Aondoyima Agber, was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
The operation followed intelligence reports about the activities of suspected pipeline vandals in the community, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, acting media information officer at the headquarters of Operation Whirl Stroke.
The statement said troops were conducting a fighting patrol when they received information about the suspected vandals.
It said the troops moved to the reported location but found that the suspected vandals had fled before their arrival.
However, the soldiers arrested Agber, who was allegedly attempting to transport a section of the pipeline on a motorcycle.
The statement added that the suspect remained in custody pending further directives.
It said troops had continued to dominate the area to deter criminal activities, prevent attacks on critical national infrastructure and disrupt the operations of armed bandits.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 5 Division of the 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 the act, stressing the need to protect vital national assets.
The commander also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
He reiterated the importance of cooperation between security agencies and host communities in tackling criminal activities and sustaining peace across the task force’s area of responsibility.