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 on October 20, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation after troops received information about the activities of suspected pipeline vandals in the community.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Media Information Officer of the task force, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops were conducting a fighting patrol when they received the intelligence report.
The statement said the suspected vandals fled before the troops arrived at the reported location, but Agber was arrested while allegedly attempting to transport a section of the pipeline.
It added that the suspect remained in custody pending further directives, while troops continued operations in the area to prevent criminal activities and protect critical national infrastructure.
The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE and General Officer Commanding, 5 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift response, describing the operation as a proactive step towards preventing the vandalism of national assets.
Gara warned those involved in the destruction or illegal removal of public infrastructure to desist from such activities, stressing the importance of safeguarding facilities critical to the country’s security and economic interests.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the appropriate security agencies.
The commander further emphasised the importance of cooperation between security personnel and host communities in combating crime and maintaining peace across the task force’s area of responsibility.
