Police kills Suspected Vandal Attempting to Bomb Pipeline in Rivers

The Nigeria Police Command in Rivers State has confirmed the elimination of suspected vandals attempting to bomb a pipeline in Rumuekpe-Aluu community, Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, made this known during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. According to him, the suspects were neutralized on the spot as security forces swiftly thwarted their attempt.

Adepoju explained that the operation was part of a joint security effort aimed at safeguarding critical infrastructure in the state.

“The joint security forces successfully intercepted criminals attempting to vandalize a pipeline,” he said. “The vandals, who sought to detonate an explosive device, were eliminated due to the swift response of security personnel on March 16.”

Following this success, security forces carried out another operation in Onelga Local Government Area on March 19, where they foiled another potential bomb attack by suspected criminals.

During the Onelga operation, two suspects were apprehended while attempting to carry out another act of vandalism. The police recovered:

• Four dynamites
• Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other bomb components

The security team also detonated the seized explosives to prevent further threats.

The police commissioner reassured residents that security forces remain committed to protecting public infrastructure and will not tolerate any form of pipeline vandalism.

“We will continue to work with other security agencies to track down criminal elements attempting to sabotage the country’s economy,” Adepoju added.

This latest development underscores the growing efforts by law enforcement to clamp down on oil theft and pipeline vandalism, which have remained a major challenge in the Niger Delta region.