Operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Nigeria Police Force have reportedly rejected a N100m bribe while foiling a major railway vandalism syndicate and recovering materials valued at over N400m.
The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, 32-year-old Chisom Goodnews and 22-year-old Ahmed Adamu, on April 9, 2026, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, was carried out followed directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to clamp down on the destruction of critical national infrastructure.
According to a Monday statement signed by the force spokesperson, Anthony Placid, the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence, with officers intercepting a trailer truck conveying about 60 tonnes of vandalized railway tracks and sleepers.
The materials were concealed under sacks of groundnut shells while being transported from Bauchi State to Ilorin, Kwara State.
Placid said, “The operation led to the interception of a trailer truck conveying approximately sixty tonnes of vandalized railway tracks and sleepers.
“The materials were concealed under sacks of groundnut shells in a deliberate attempt to evade detection.”
The statement further revealed the existence of a wider network behind the crime.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of the truck was contracted for the sum of N2.5m to transport the vandalized materials, while further findings indicate an organised supply chain linked to receivers of such stolen infrastructure,” the statement added.
On the attempted bribery, the Force spokesperson said, “During the investigation, the operatives involved in the operation reportedly rejected an offer of N100m made in a bid to compromise the process and secure the release of the suspects and exhibits.”
The command added that the trailer truck has been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the operatives.
He said their actions “exemplify the core values of the Force,” describing them as a demonstration of courage, discipline, and incorruptibility.
Packaged by Emmanuel Okafor
