The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Delta State Command, has arrested a 25-year-old man, Paul Solomon, for allegedly vandalising two oil wellheads belonging to Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited.

The command’s spokesperson, Anthony Uchenna, confirmed the arrest, saying the Delta State Commandant, Chinedu F. Igbo, directed the NSCDC Pipeline Monitoring Team in Kwale to apprehend the suspect on January 5, 2026.

Uchenna said Solomon, a native of Benue State, was allegedly caught at the scene with tools suspected to have been used in the vandalism, including acetylene and hydrogen cylinders, as well as adjustable spanners. He explained that the arrest was part of intensified operations by the NSCDC against oil theft, vandalism and other acts of economic sabotage in the state.

According to him, several convictions have been secured since Igbo assumed office, while a number of cases remain pending before courts across Delta State.

Uchenna added that although the NSCDC has continued to record arrests and seizures as evidence of improved enforcement, the latest incident underscores the persistent threat to critical energy infrastructure in the state and beyond.

In a related development, the NSCDC said the Nigerian Army arrested another group of suspects on January 6, 2026, at Forcados in Burutu Local Council of Delta State.

The suspects, led by a 38-year-old man identified as Christian Ezekiel, were allegedly found in possession of vandalised AGIP pipes. Items recovered included eight already cut pipes, each measuring about eight feet, as well as industrial cutting equipment. The suspects were subsequently handed over to the NSCDC for further investigation and prosecution.

Uchenna said investigations into both cases were ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of preliminary findings. He also warned what he described as “unrepentant elements” to desist from criminal activities or face the full weight of the law.