The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on the vandalisation of critical national infrastructure, successfully dismantling a railway vandalism syndicate and rejecting a ₦100 million bribe offered by suspects.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), operatives of the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad (STS) carried out a strategic, intelligence-led operation that led to the arrest of two suspects involved in the illegal removal and transportation of railway materials.
The suspects were apprehended on April 9, 2026, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, while conveying vandalised railway components concealed in a truck. Recovered items included railway tracks and sleepers weighing approximately 60 tonnes, with an estimated value exceeding ₦400 million.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are part of a coordinated criminal network responsible for transporting stolen railway infrastructure from Bauchi State to Ilorin, posing a significant threat to Nigeria’s transportation system and economic stability.
In a bid to evade arrest, the suspects reportedly offered the police operatives a ₦100 million bribe. The officers, however, firmly rejected the offer, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and adherence to the Force’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption.
The Inspector-General of Police has commended the operatives for their exemplary conduct and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to protecting national assets and prosecuting all individuals involved in acts of economic sabotage.
Further investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover additional stolen materials linked to the criminal network.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its resolve to intensify efforts against vandalism and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.