Police Reject N100m Bribe, Bust Railway Vandalism Syndicate in Nasarawa

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have reportedly turned down a N100 million bribe while foiling a major railway vandalism operation and recovering stolen infrastructure valued at over ₦400 million.

The operation, carried out by the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad, led to the arrest of two suspects, Chisom Goodnews, 32, and Ahmed Adamu, 22, on April 9, 2026, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the suspects were intercepted following credible intelligence which exposed a sophisticated attempt to move vandalised railway materials across state lines.

The officers reportedly stopped a trailer truck conveying about 60 tonnes of railway tracks and sleepers, which had been carefully concealed under sacks of groundnut shells to avoid detection.

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

Preliminary investigations, according to the police, revealed that the driver of the truck was contracted for N2.5 million to move the stolen materials from Bauchi State to Ilorin, Kwara State, suggesting the existence of a wider criminal supply chain targeting national infrastructure.

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

The Force also disclosed that during the investigation, officers came under pressure from suspects who allegedly attempted to compromise the operation with a ₦100 million bribe to secure their release and the recovered exhibits.

“Operatives involved in the operation reportedly rejected an offer of N100 million made in a bid to compromise the process and secure the release of the suspects and exhibits,” the police spokesperson stated.

The intercepted trailer has since been recovered, while investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate believed to be operating across multiple states.

Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the operatives for their professionalism, describing their conduct as a reflection of discipline and integrity within the Force.

He said their actions “exemplify the core values of the Force,” adding that the operation demonstrated courage and a strong commitment to protecting national infrastructure.

The police have intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in railway vandalism, a crime that has continued to threaten Nigeria’s transport infrastructure and cost the government significant resources in repairs and rehabilitation.