Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have turned down a N100 million bribe while dismantling a suspected railway vandalism syndicate and recovering materials valued at over N400 million.
The operation, executed by the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad, led to the arrest of two suspects—32-year-old Chisom Goodnews and 22-year-old Ahmed Adamu—in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, on April 9, 2026.
According to a statement released on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the arrests followed actionable intelligence that enabled officers to intercept a trailer transporting vandalised railway components.
The truck was reportedly conveying about 60 tonnes of railway tracks and sleepers, which had been carefully concealed beneath sacks of groundnut shells in an attempt to evade detection while in transit from Bauchi State to Ilorin, Kwara State.
Placid noted that preliminary findings point to a broader, well-organised criminal network behind the act, involving multiple actors across the supply chain.
Investigators revealed that the truck driver had been hired for N2.5 million to move the illicit cargo, suggesting a coordinated effort involving suppliers and intended receivers of the stolen infrastructure.
In a dramatic twist, the police disclosed that operatives involved in the operation were offered a N100 million bribe to compromise the case and release both the suspects and the recovered materials.
The officers, however, rejected the offer.
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“The operatives reportedly refused a N100 million inducement aimed at derailing the investigation and freeing the suspects,” the statement said.
The police confirmed that the truck used in the operation has been seized, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate believed to be at large.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the officers for their conduct, describing their actions as a reflection of professionalism and integrity.
He noted that their refusal of the bribe underscores the Force’s commitment to discipline and accountability in tackling criminal activities across the country.
Authorities say investigations are continuing as security agencies intensify efforts to curb infrastructure vandalism and dismantle criminal networks involved in the illicit trade.
