RismadarVoice Reporters, April 28, 2027
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on infrastructure vandalism, with the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of railway materials valued at over ₦400 million.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, from the Force Headquarters in Abuja on April 27, 2026.
Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) apprehended the suspect Chisom Goodnews, 32, and Ahmed Adamu, 22 on April 9, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m. in Akwanga, following actionable intelligence.
Police sources said the operation led to the interception of a trailer truck loaded with approximately 60 tonnes of vandalised railway tracks and sleepers. The materials had been concealed beneath sacks of groundnut shells in an apparent attempt to evade detection while being transported from Bauchi State to Ilorin.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck driver had been contracted for ₦2.5 million to move the illicit cargo. Further findings point to the existence of a coordinated supply chain involving multiple actors, including receivers of stolen railway infrastructure.
In a development highlighting internal discipline within the Force, officers involved in the operation reportedly rejected a ₦100 million bribe allegedly offered to secure the release of the suspects and the recovered exhibits.
The trailer used to convey the materials has been impounded, while investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate and recover additional stolen assets.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the operatives for their professionalism and integrity, describing their actions as reflective of the core values of the Force.
The Police reiterated its commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and warned that individuals involved in vandalism would be brought to justice.
