Police Foil Railway Vandalism, Recover N400m in Assets

On April 9, 2023, the Nigerian Police Force, through its Intelligence Department and Special Tactics Squad, successfully foiled a railway vandalism syndicate. The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, Chisom Goodnew, 32, and Ahm Adamu, 22, in Akwanga.

The police intercepted a trailer truck carrying 60 tons of stolen railway track sleeper materials, which were concealed under sacks of groundnut shells to evade detection while being transported from Bauchi State to Ilorin, Kwara State. Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck driver was contracted for N2.5 million to transport the stolen items.

Police spokesperson Anthony Placid stated that the operation highlighted an organized network involved in the theft and distribution of critical infrastructure. The police also rejected a N100 million bribe allegedly offered for the suspects' release and seized the trailer as part of the ongoing investigation to track down other members of the syndicate, including potential buyers of the stolen materials.

Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu commended the officers for their professionalism and integrity.