NIGERIA: ₦400m Railway Loot Recovered, Police Reject ₦100m Bribe in Anti-Vandal Crackdown

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Nigeria Police Force has foiled a railway vandalism syndicate, recovering assets valued at over ₦400 million and rejecting a ₦100 million bribe allegedly offered to compromise the operation.

Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) arrested two suspects, Chisom Goodnews, 32, and Ahmed Adamu, 22, on April 9, 2026, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, following credible intelligence.

A trailer truck conveying about 60 tonnes of vandalised railway tracks and sleepers was intercepted, with the materials concealed under sacks of groundnut shells while being transported from Bauchi State to Ilorin, Kwara State.

The development was contained in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, on April 27, 2026.

“The operation led to the interception of a trailer truck conveying approximately sixty tonnes of vandalised railway tracks and sleepers concealed under sacks of groundnut shells,” the statement said.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck driver was contracted for ₦2.5 million, while further findings indicate an organised supply chain linked to receivers of stolen infrastructure.

“Further findings indicate an organised supply chain linked to receivers of such stolen infrastructure,” the statement added.

The police also disclosed that operatives rejected a ₦100 million bribe offered to compromise the case.

“The operatives involved in the operation reportedly rejected an offer of One Hundred Million Naira made in a bid to compromise the process,” the statement said.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the operatives for their professionalism and integrity, noting that “such acts exemplify the core values of the Force.”

The police added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other mem

bers of the syndicate.