Soldiers Stop Pipeline Theft, Arrest 18-Year-Old in Benue

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have stopped an alleged attempt to vandalize a pipeline at Gou community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. They arrested an 18-year-old motorcycle rider who they suspect was trying to transport a part of the pipeline.

This operation took place on October 20, 2026. It followed intelligence reports about suspected pipeline vandals in the area.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer of the JTF, said the troops were on a fighting patrol when they got the tip-off about the suspected vandalism.

According to him, the troops rushed to the location but found that the suspected vandals had already escaped.

However, they caught an 18-year-old motorcycle rider named Aondoyima Agber. He was allegedly trying to transport a part of the pipeline.

The statement mentioned that the suspect is now in custody and waiting for further instructions. "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 said.

It also noted that troops will keep monitoring the area to stop criminal activities, prevent attacks on important national infrastructure and disrupt the plans of armed bandits.

Major General Moses Gara, the Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE and General Officer Commanding, 5 Division Nigerian Army, praised the troops for their quick action.

Gara called the operation a smart move to stop the vandalism of key national assets. He warned people involved in damaging public infrastructure to stop. He stressed the need to protect important national assets.

The military commander also encouraged community members to stay alert and quickly report any suspicious activities to security agencies. He further highlighted how important community support is in fighting crime and keeping peace and security in the area.