Economic Sabotage: Police operatives bust railway vandalism cartel, reject N100m bribe

*The Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad of the Nigeria Police Force busts up a major railway vandalism syndicate, and recovers the country’s Critical National Infrastructure, valued at over ₦400 million in Akwanga, Nasarawa State

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have busted up a major railway vandalism syndicate, and recovered Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), valued at over ₦400 million, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

ConsumerConnect gathered the Police detectives from the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) also rejected a ₦100 million bribe offered to compromise the operation.

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The latest breakthrough reportedly came amid growing concerns about vandalisation of public infrastructure, including oil and gas, telecoms, and transportation sectors across the country.

Some Nigerians have described the development as part of professionalism reinforcing growing institutional discipline and integrity within the Nigeria Police.

The sting operation led to the arrest of two suspects: Chisom Goodnews, 32, and Ahmed Adamu, 22, April 9, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m. in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, near the FCT, following credible intelligence.

How operatives busted up the railway vandalism ring

Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), in a statement, noted the Police operatives arrested the suspected vandals while transporting vandalised and stolen railway materials estimated at about 60 tonnes.

The statement revealed that the stolen items, comprising railway tracks and sleepers, were cleverly concealed beneath sacks of groundnut shells in a trailer truck in a bid to evade detection in transit.

Investigations as well revealed that the consignment was being moved from Bauchi State to Ilorin, Kwara State, as part of a wider, organised network involved in the theft and distribution of the West African country’s Critical National Infrastructure.

The truck driver had been contracted for ₦2.5 million to convey the illicit cargo, report stated.

Police detectives reject N100 million bribe

Demonstrating expected high level of professionalism, the Nigeria Police operatives reportedly rejected a ₦100 million bribe offered them to secure the release of the suspects and the exhibits after the operation.

The operatives’ rejection of the bribe money has been widely commended as evidence of renewed efforts within the Nigeria Police to uphold accountability and resist corruption.

Meanwhile, the Police have recovered the truck used in transporting the vandalised railway materials, amid continued investigations to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate, including the financiers, and intended buyers of the stolen railway components.

Police IG commends Officers for professionalism

Commending the operatives, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, lauded their courage, discipline, and incorruptibility.

IGP Olatunji said that the Officers’ actions reflected the core values of the Nigeria Police.

The Police Chief also restated the commitment of the Force to safeguarding the country’s Critical National Infrastructure, particularly in the transport sector.

He equally assured that intelligence-led operations would be sustained to dismantle criminal networks engaged in economic sabotage against Nigeria.

The statement noted the Nigeria Police urged members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information.

The Force emphasised that collective vigilance remains key to preventing acts of vandalism and ensuring national development.

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