The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of two suspects linked to the vandalisation of railway infrastructure and the recovery of materials valued at over ₦400 million.
In a statement issued on Monday, April 27, the Force said the operation was carried out by the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) following credible intelligence.
The suspects, identified as Chisom Goodnews (32) and Ahmed Adamu (22), were arrested on April 9, 2026, in Akwanga at about 6:00 p.m.
According to the police, the breakthrough led to the interception of a trailer truck transporting about sixty tonnes of vandalised railway tracks and sleepers. The materials were reportedly hidden under sacks of groundnut shells in an attempt to avoid detection while being moved from Bauchi State to Ilorin.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck driver was paid ₦2.5 million to transport the stolen materials, pointing to what authorities described as a wider organised network involved in the theft and distribution of railway assets.
The police also disclosed that during the investigation, operatives resisted an alleged ₦100 million bribe offered to compromise the case and secure the release of the suspects and recovered exhibits.
The trailer used for the operation has since been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the alleged vandalism network and those who receive the stolen materials.
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the officers involved, describing their conduct as professional and disciplined. He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to protecting national infrastructure and cracking down on economic sabotage.
The police said investigations are still in progress as they work to uncover the full extent of the criminal network behind the operation.
