NSCDC Arrests Suspected Oil Well Vandal in Delta

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Delta State has arrested a 25-year-old man, Paul Solomon, over the alleged vandalism of two oil wellheads owned by Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited. The suspect was apprehended on January 5, 2026, in Kwale during a patrol by the corps’ pipeline monitoring team.

Items recovered from Solomon included industrial cylinders and adjustable spanners believed to be used for cutting and tampering with oil installations. NSCDC spokesperson Anthony Uchenna said the arrest followed directives from the State Commandant, Chinedu F. Igbo, as part of intensified surveillance against oil theft.

In a related operation, the Nigerian Army intercepted another group of suspects at Forcados in Burutu Local Council a day later. The suspects, led by a 38-year-old man identified as Christian Ezekiel, were found with vandalized AGIP pipes and cutting equipment.

The army handed the suspects and recovered items to the NSCDC for further investigation. Uchenna confirmed that both cases are under active investigation and warned that individuals involved in economic sabotage would face prosecution.