Police Arrest Railway Vandals, Recover ₦400m, Reject ₦100m Bribe
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force, through the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), has arrested two suspects linked to the large-scale vandalisation of critical national infrastructure and the recovery of railway materials valued at over ₦400 million.
Disclosing this on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, who described the arrest as a major breakthrough, said the suspects, Chisom Goodnews (32) and Ahmed Adamu (22), were arrested on April 9, 2026, at about 6:00pm in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, following credible intelligence.
According to him, the operation led to the interception of a trailer truck conveying about 60 tonnes of vandalised railway tracks and sleepers. The items were concealed under sacks of groundnut shells in a deliberate attempt to evade detection while being transported from Bauchi State to Ilorin, Kwara State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck driver was contracted for ₦2.5 million to transport the vandalised materials. Further findings indicate the existence of an organised supply chain connected to receivers of the stolen infrastructure.
During the investigation, operatives reportedly rejected a ₦100 million bribe offered to compromise the process and secure the release of the suspects and exhibits.
Placid also disclosed that the trailer used in conveying the materials has been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate, including intended receivers, and to recover additional exhibits.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the operatives for their courage, discipline, and integrity, describing their actions as a reflection of the core values of the Force.
This is even as the Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical national assets from vandalism.
