Troops Foil Pipeline Vandalism in Benue, Arrest 18 Year Old Suspect
By Chibuzo Obidike | IchieTimes
Troops of 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 pipeline.
The suspect, identified as Aondoyima Agber, was apprehended on October 20, 2026, after troops conducting a fighting patrol acted on intelligence about suspected pipeline vandals operating in the community.
According to the task force, the suspected vandals fled before the troops arrived at the reported location, but Agber was arrested while allegedly attempting to transport the pipeline section.
He remains in custody pending further directives, while troops continue patrols in the area to deter criminal activities and protect critical national infrastructure.
The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE and General Officer Commanding 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their prompt response, describing the operation as a proactive step towards preventing damage to vital national assets.
Gara warned against the vandalism of public infrastructure and called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The task force also stressed that community cooperation remains essential to tackling crime and sustaining peace and security across its area of responsibility.
The statement was signed by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters, JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, on October 21, 2026.
