Police arrest vandals, recover N400m railway assets
Nigeria Police Force Arrests Suspects Linked to Infrastructure Vandalism
The Nigeria Police Force announced the arrest of two individuals implicated in large-scale vandalism of critical national infrastructure. The operation was executed by the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad on April 9, 2026, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
According to a statement from Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okonkwo Placid, the suspects—identified as Chisom Goodnews, 32, and Ahmed Adamu, 22—were taken into custody following credible intelligence. During the operation, law enforcement recovered approximately sixty tonnes of vandalized railway materials valued at over 400 million Naira.
The materials, which included railway tracks and sleepers, were found concealed under sacks of groundnut shells in a trailer truck. This method of concealment was reportedly intended to evade detection while transporting the materials from Bauchi State to Ilorin, Kwara State.
Preliminary investigations revealed the truck’s driver was contracted for 2.5 million Naira to carry the stolen items. Authorities indicated that the investigation has uncovered an organized supply chain connected to the receivers of the stolen infrastructure.
During the operation, police operatives reportedly rejected a bribe of 100 million Naira aimed at compromising the investigation and securing the release of the suspects.
The trailer truck used for transporting the stolen items has been recovered, and investigations continue to identify additional members of the criminal syndicate, including those intended to receive the materials.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu praised the operatives for their commitment and integrity, stating that their actions exemplify the core values of the Nigeria Police Force.
