Police Reject ₦100m Bribe, Arrest Two Over Stolen Railway Materials in Nasarawa

Police Reject ₦100m Bribe, Arrest Two Over Stolen Railway Materials in Nasarawa

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rejected a ₦100 million bribe and intercepted about 60 tonnes of vandalised railway materials in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, during a major intelligence-led operation against infrastructure vandalism.

The operation was carried out by the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) following credible intelligence, which led to the arrest of two suspects on April 9, 2026.

The suspects, identified as Chisom Goodnews (32) and Ahmed Adamu (22), were arrested while allegedly transporting stolen railway materials concealed inside a trailer truck.

Police said the intercepted items included railway tracks and sleepers, which were hidden under sacks of groundnut shells in an attempt to evade detection during transportation.

According to preliminary investigations, the truck was conveying the stolen materials from Bauchi State to Ilorin, suggesting an organised network involved in the movement of vandalised railway infrastructure across states.

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The probe also revealed that the driver of the trailer was allegedly paid ₦2.5 million to transport the stolen railway components, pointing to a structured criminal arrangement behind the operation.

Security sources further stated that investigations are ongoing to uncover a wider syndicate believed to be responsible for the theft and distribution of railway materials for illegal resale.

During the interception, the suspects reportedly attempted to offer a ₦100 million bribe to the operatives in order to secure their release and allow the truck to pass.

However, the officers rejected the offer and proceeded with the arrest and seizure of both the suspects and the loaded truck.

The Nigeria Police Force said the rejection of the bribe demonstrates the professionalism and integrity of the operatives involved in the operation.

The Force also confirmed that the trailer truck used in transporting the stolen materials has been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network.

Investigators believe the case is part of a broader pattern of organised vandalism targeting critical national infrastructure, particularly railway assets that are often stolen and sold as scrap metal.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the officers for their conduct, describing their actions as a reflection of discipline, professionalism, and commitment to national security.

The suspects are expected to be prosecuted upon completion of ongoing investigations.

 

Police Reject ₦100m Bribe, Arrest Two Over Stolen Railway Materials in Nasarawa