The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has uncovered a railway vandalism syndicate, arresting two suspects, Chisom Goodnews and Ahmed Adamu, for their involvement in the vandalisation of critical national infrastructure and the recovery of railway materials valued at over ₦400 million.
Goodnews, 32, and Adamu, 22, were apprehended by the NPF’s Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) at about 1800hrs in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, following credible intelligence on April 9, 2026.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, made this known in a statement on Monday.
Placid revealed that the operation 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.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of the truck was contracted for the sum of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦2,500,000) to transport the vandalised materials, while further findings indicate an organised supply chain linked to receivers of such stolen infrastructure,” he stated.
According to him, during the investigation, operatives rejected an offer of ₦100,000,000 made in a bid to compromise the process and secure the release of the suspects and exhibits.
The spokesperson added that 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.
Commenting on the successful operation, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the operatives for their courage, discipline, and incorruptibility, noting that such acts exemplify the core values of the Force.
IGP Disu reaffirmed the NPF’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s assets from vandalism.
