The Nigeria Police Force has announced the recovery of railway materials worth N400 million from two suspected railway vandals.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Monday.
The Police described the development as a large-scale vandalisation of critical national infrastructure, adding that the arrest was carried out by the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS).
What the Police is saying
According to the statement, the two suspects arrested were allegedly involved in the large-scale vandalisation of critical national infrastructure, which led to the “recovery of railway materials valued at over N400,000,000”.
- “The suspects, Chisom Goodnews (32) and Ahmed Adamu (22), were arrested on 9 April 2026 at about 1800hrs in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, following credible intelligence,” the statement added.
The operation reportedly led to the interception of a trailer truck conveying approximately 60 tonnes of vandalised railway tracks and sleepers.
- “The materials were concealed under sacks of groundnut shells in a deliberate attempt to evade detection while being transported from Bauchi State to Ilorin, Kwara State,” the statement further explained.
The Police stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the truck driver was contracted for the sum of N2,500,000 to transport the vandalised materials.
Further findings also indicated an organised supply chain linked to receivers of such stolen infrastructure.
The statement further read:
- “During the investigation, the operatives involved allegedly rejected an offer of N100,000,000 made in a bid to compromise the process and secure the release of the suspects and exhibits.
- “The trailer truck used in conveying the items has been recovered, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate, including the intended receivers, and to recover additional exhibits.”
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the operatives for their courage, discipline, and incorruptibility.
Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national assets from vandalism.
Backstory
The development comes nearly a year after police authorities announced the recovery of properties worth N6 billion from suspects linked to other financial crimes, particularly money laundering.
- The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that operatives recovered the properties from suspected fraudsters as part of an ongoing investigation into a N21 billion alleged fraud and money laundering scheme involving 2,039 bank accounts.
- Audu Garba Esq., Legal Officer of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), disclosed this during an ex parte motion hearing before Justice Obiora Egwatu.
Reports indicated that the IGP was investigating a large-scale fraud and money laundering case amounting to N21.4 billion at the time.
What you should know
This development underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement authorities, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to curb financial crimes and enforce relevant criminal laws.
- In a related case, a freezing order was obtained on 21 bank accounts allegedly linked to money laundering and other unlawful activities.
- A police detective testified that the suspects’ actions were indicative of money laundering and aimed at concealing the origin of illicit funds.
Several criminal laws prescribe jail terms for offences such as vandalism, concealment of proceeds of crime, destruction of evidence, and fraud.
