Police Arrest Rail Track Vandals, Recover N400m Rail Materials

Operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested two suspects for vandalising rail tracks and recovered over N400 million worth of rail materials.

The two suspects, Chisom Goodnews, 32 years old and Ahmed Adamu, 22 years old, were arrested in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, for allegedly transporting vandalised railway materials valued at over N400 million.

Addressing the press at the Special Tactical Squad’s premises in Abuja, the Force PRO, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said the items, concealed under sacks of groundnut shells, were being moved from Bauchi to Kwara State.

He explained that the police also recovered a trailer truck used in the operation and are pursuing other members of the syndicate, including the intended receiver.

Speaking during the press briefing, the Force PRO said police operations, conducted in the first quarter of the year, covered seven high-profile cases across Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba, and the FCT.

He noted that the intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of several other suspected armed robbers, kidnappers and bandits, as well as the recovery of firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles, and vandalised government property.

One of the cases treated at the briefing was the arrest of three suspected armed robbers: Abubakar Musa, Hassan Umar, and Joshua Raphael in Kaduna State on 16 March.

Musa, a dismissed army corporal, was said to have been impersonating a serving soldier while carrying out criminal activities.

Their arrest led to the recovery of 10 stolen vehicles, including Toyota Hilux trucks, Toyota Corolla cars, and other brands.

In a separate operation on 7 March in the Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, four suspects linked to banditry were apprehended. Police recovered four AK-47 rifles, magazines, and ammunition during the raid.

One of the suspects reportedly resisted arrest but was subdued by operatives and is currently receiving medical attention.