By Charles Pemu 
Benin City, Nigeria – The Edo State Government has uncovered a major case of crude oil pipeline vandalism, involving the theft of approximately 30 kilometers of pipeline along the Warri–Kaduna route in Ekperi, Etsako Central Local Government Area.
The Chairman of the Edo State Task Force on the Protection of Government Property, Eugene Okoloise, confirmed the arrest of six suspects allegedly involved in the large-scale operation, which included the use of heavy-duty excavators.
The vandals dug out the pipes using excavators. Some stolen sections have been recovered and moved to Government House and our task force office in Benin,” Okoloise stated.
He disclosed that investigations point to collusion by members of the local community, including some high-profile individuals.
Task Force Intensifies Crackdown on Public Asset Theft
In addition to the pipeline incident, the task force reported the arrest of:
- Five suspects in Uhuoghun, Orhionmwon LGA, for dismantling and vandalizing government agricultural equipment, including tractors.
- Five more suspects in Okpella for the theft of high-tension electrical components.
Furthermore, over 480 hectares of government land illegally acquired and sold by community members—have been recovered across the state.
Government Vows to Protect Critical Infrastructure
Okoloise condemned the increasing cases of infrastructure theft, encroachment on public lands, and sabotage of critical government assets. He announced the formation of a dedicated task force to monitor and secure oil pipeline routes and government properties.
“We are facing coordinated sabotage. It’s disheartening to see community members collaborating with criminals. But the state will not back down,” he said.
The state government reiterated its commitment to prosecuting all culprits and recovering stolen public assets to protect state infrastructure and ensure accountability.