Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have foiled an alleged pipeline vandalism attempt and arrested one Aondoyima Agber in Logo Local Government Area of the state.
This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Makurdi by Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters, JTF.
Zubairu said that the suspect, Agber, a motorcycle rider, was apprehended at Gou community during an intelligence-led operation on October 20.
He said that the troops received intelligence about the activities of suspected pipeline vandals in the community and quickly rushed to the scene.
He said that the suspected vandals fled upon the arrival of the troops, but Agber was apprehended while allegedly attempting to transport a section of the pipeline.
According to the him, the suspect is in their custody pending further directives, while troops continue to maintain a presence in the area to prevent further criminal activities.
He said that the operation was aimed at protecting critical national infrastructure and frustrating the activities of armed bandits in the area.
Meanwhile, the Force Commander, JTF OPWS, and General Officer Commanding (GOC), 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. 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 such acts, stressing the importance of protecting vital national assets.
The commander also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
He reiterated the importance of community cooperation in tackling criminal activities and sustaining peace and security across the task force area of responsibility.
