Operatives Reject N100m Bribe as Police Foil Railway Vandalism

The Nigeria Police Force has recovered railway materials worth N400 million from a suspected vandalism syndicate, while operatives reportedly rejected a N100 million bribe offered by the suspects.

In a Monday statement signed by DCP Anthony Placid, the suspects identified as 32 -year-old Chisom Goodnews and 22-year-old Ahmed Adamu, were arrested on 9th April 2026 at about 1800hrs in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, following credible intelligence.

According to the statement, the suspects were arrested by operatives attached to the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS).

The statement reads, “The Nigeria Police Force, through the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), has recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of two (2) suspects involved in the large-scale vandalisation of critical national infrastructure and the recovery of railway materials valued at over Four Hundred Million Naira (₦400,000,000).

“The suspects, Chisom Goodnews (32) and Ahmed Adamu (22), were arrested on 9th April 2026 at about 1800hrs in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, following credible intelligence.”

The statement revealed that the operation led to the interception of a trailer truck conveying approximately sixty (60) tonnes of vandalised railway tracks and sleepers.

The statement added that the materials were concealed under sacks of groundnut shells in a deliberate attempt to evade detection while being transported from Bauchi State to Ilorin, Kwara State.

The statement added, “Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of the truck was contracted for the sum of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦2,500,000) to transport the vandalised materials, while further findings indicate an organised supply chain linked to receivers of such stolen infrastructure.

“During the investigation, the operatives involved in the operation reportedly rejected an offer of One Hundred Million Naira (₦100,000,000) made in a bid to compromise the process and secure the release of the suspects and exhibits.”

Police said that the trailer truck used in conveying the items has been recovered, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate, including the intended receivers, and to recover additional exhibits.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the operatives for their courage, discipline, and incorruptibility, noting that such acts exemplify the core values of the Force.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding the nation’s assets from vandalism.