Five suspected pipeline vandals were apprehended by the police in Delta on Wednesday, the Delta police spokesman Edafe Bright told newsmen in Warri.

Mr Bright said the suspects – Lukman Jimoh, Shola Bimigo, Yahaya Ikane, Ebi Yeregha and Lawal Aliyu – were arrested while conveying 170 pieces of pipelines in a lorry which were suspected to be stolen.

“On May 8, 2021, at about 5:45 p.m., the anti-crime patrol of ‘A’ Division Warri intercepted a lorry with registration number BDG358YA with five suspects on board while on routine patrol.

“On searching, the lorry was loaded with 170 pieces of six inches pipes already cut to various sizes.

“The suspects are alleged experts in the act of vandalising Federal Government pipeline at Ogulagha. They were arrested while the lorry was impounded,” Mr Bright said.

He said the Command had begun an investigation into the matter.

In another development, Mr Bright confirmed the death of three suspected kidnappers in the state.

He explained that the deceased, Onome Efetobore, Collins (surname unknown) and Glory Reuben, were beaten to death by an angry mob after a failed kidnapped attempt.

The spokesman further explained that the incident occurred on May 10, at Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.

“On May 10, 2021, at about 10:30 a.m., information was received that a mob was attacking three suspected kidnappers who attempted to kidnap a victim at Oghara Junction.

“Consequently, the DPO in charge of Oghara Division mobilised its patrol team and a vigilance team to the scene to rescue the suspects.

“They were seriously beaten and rushed to the Oghara General Hospital by the police where they were later confirmed dead,” he said.

Mr Bright said that exhibits recovered from the suspects included a locally made pistol and three live cartridges.