April 27, (THEWILL) — Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have busted a major railway vandalism syndicate, recovered critical infrastructure valued at over ₦400 million, and rejected a ₦100 million bribe offered to compromise the operation, reinforcing growing institutional discipline and integrity within the Force.
The operation, carried out by the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), led to the arrest of two suspects: Chisom Goodnews, 32, and Ahmed Adamu, 22, on April 9, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m. in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, following credible intelligence.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the suspects were apprehended while transporting vandalised railway materials estimated at about 60 tonnes. The items, comprising railway tracks and sleepers, were cleverly concealed beneath sacks of groundnut shells in a trailer truck in a bid to evade detection.
Investigations revealed that the consignment was being moved from Bauchi State to Ilorin, Kwara State, as part of a wider, organised network involved in the theft and distribution of critical national infrastructure. The truck driver, it was gathered, had been contracted for ₦2.5 million to convey the illicit cargo.
In a striking demonstration of professionalism, the police operatives reportedly turned down a ₦100 million bribe allegedly offered to secure the release of the suspects and the exhibits. The rejection of the bribe has been widely seen as a testament to renewed efforts within the Force to uphold accountability and resist corruption.
The truck used in transporting the vandalised materials has been recovered, while authorities say investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate, including financiers and intended buyers of the stolen railway components.
Commending the operatives, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, praised their courage, discipline, and incorruptibility, noting that their actions reflect the core values of the Nigeria Police Force.
He reiterated the commitment of the Force to safeguarding critical national infrastructure, particularly in the transport sector, and assured that intelligence-led operations would be sustained to dismantle criminal networks engaged in economic sabotage.
The latest breakthrough comes amid ongoing concerns over the vandalisation of public infrastructure across the country. However, the successful interception and recovery signal a decisive step toward curbing such activities and strengthening the protection of national assets.
The Nigeria Police Force further called on members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that collective vigilance remains key to preventing acts of vandalism and ensuring national development.
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