The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of two individuals suspected to be involved in the large-scale vandalisation of critical national infrastructure, alongside the recovery of railway materials valued at more than N400 million.
The operation was executed by the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), which acted on credible intelligence to apprehend the suspects.
Those arrested were identified as Chisom Goodnews, 32, and Ahmed Adamu, 22. They were taken into custody on April 9, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m. in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
Details of the operation were contained in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okonkwo Placid, who confirmed that officers intercepted a trailer transporting a large quantity of vandalised railway materials.
“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 said.
According to the police, the intercepted cargo consisted of approximately 60 tonnes of railway tracks and sleepers that had been removed and prepared for illegal distribution.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck driver had been contracted with a payment of N2.5 million to move the materials, suggesting the involvement of a coordinated supply chain linked to buyers of stolen infrastructure.
The police further disclosed that during the course of the operation, officers were offered a bribe of N100 million in an attempt to influence the outcome and secure the release of both the suspects and the seized materials. However, the operatives rejected the offer.
The trailer used in transporting the items has since been recovered, while investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate, including those expected to receive the stolen goods.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the operatives for their professionalism and integrity, noting that their actions reflect the core values of the Force.
