By Godwin Ogar
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rejected a N100 million bribe allegedly offered to derail an investigation into a major railway vandalism syndicate, even as they uncovered and seized stolen infrastructure worth over N400 million.
The officers, attached to the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), also arrested two suspects during the operation in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said the bribe was offered in a bid to compromise the process and secure the release of the suspects and exhibits.
Placid explained that the operation was driven by credible intelligence, leading to the interception of a truck loaded with about 60 tonnes of vandalised railway tracks and sleepers.
The materials, concealed under sacks of groundnut shells, were being transported from Bauchi State to Ilorin when the operatives intercepted the vehicle at about 6:00 p.m. on April 9, 2026.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck driver had been contracted for N2.5 million, pointing to a well-organised supply chain involving multiple actors and intended receivers of the stolen railway components.
The police said the truck used in conveying the materials has been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the operatives for resisting the bribe and upholding the values of the Force.
He noted that their conduct reinforces public trust and underscores the commitment of the police to safeguarding critical national infrastructure.
The suspects, identified as Chisom Goodnews, 32, and Ahmed Adamu, 22, are believed to be linked to large-scale vandalism of railway assets valued at over N400 million.
