Ololade Adeyanju/
The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a major syndicate involved in the large-scale vandalism of railway infrastructure, recovering assets valued at over N400 million and rejecting a N100 million bribe allegedly offered to derail the investigation.
Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad arrested two suspects, Chisom Goodnews, 32, and Ahmed Adamu, 22, on April 9 in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, following actionable intelligence that exposed an organised operation targeting critical national transport infrastructure.
A trailer truck intercepted during the operation was found to be transporting about 60 tonnes of stolen railway tracks and sleepers.
The materials were reportedly concealed beneath sacks of groundnut shells in an attempt to evade detection while being moved from Bauchi State to Ilorin, Kwara State.
Investigators also uncovered a coordinated supply chain, suggesting the existence of a wider network responsible for the theft, transport and likely resale of public infrastructure components.
Authorities disclosed that the driver of the vehicle was allegedly paid N2.5 million to convey the stolen materials, underscoring what police describe as a structured economic sabotage operation rather than isolated theft.
In a further development that has drawn attention, operatives reportedly rejected a N100 million bribe offered during the investigation to compromise the process and secure the release of the suspects and recovered exhibits.
The truck used in the illicit transport has been recovered, while investigations continue to identify other members of the syndicate, including intended receivers of the stolen railway materials and additional links in the distribution network.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the operatives for their professionalism and resistance to inducement, describing the operation as reflective of the Force’s renewed commitment to protecting national assets.
The police say efforts are ongoing to fully dismantle the network behind what they describe as sustained attacks on critical infrastructure.
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