Policemen rejected N100m bribe, foiled railway vandalism syndicate

In a remarkable display of integrity and dedication, officers of the Nigeria Police Force have reportedly refused a staggering N100 million bribe, successfully thwarting a major railway vandalism operation. This significant bust, carried out by the Force Intelligence Department's Special Tactical Squad on April 9, 2026, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, not only led to the arrest of two suspects but also prevented the illicit trade of railway infrastructure valued at over N400 million.

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The operation led to the interception of a trailer truck conveying approximately sixty tonnes of vandalised railway tracks and sleepers.

The operation involved intercepting a trailer truck laden with approximately 60 tonnes of vandalized railway tracks and sleepers, cleverly concealed beneath sacks of groundnut shells. This elaborate attempt to evade detection highlights the sophistication of criminal syndicates targeting national infrastructure. The driver of the truck reportedly confessed to being contracted for N2.5 million, pointing towards an organized supply chain involving receivers of stolen materials.

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The materials were concealed under sacks of groundnut shells in a deliberate attempt to evade detection.

Force spokesperson, DCP Anthony Placid, detailed the attempted bribery, emphasizing that the operatives involved stood firm against the considerable sum offered to compromise the investigation. The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, lauded the officers, stating their actions "exemplify the core values of the Force" and serve as a testament to their courage, discipline, and incorruptibility. At The Punch, we celebrate this act of professionalism, which reinforces public trust in the police and underscores the critical importance of safeguarding our nation's infrastructure against such destructive criminal enterprises.

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Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of the truck was contracted for the sum of N2.5m to transport the vandalised materials, while further findings indicate an organised supply chain linked to receivers of such stolen infrastructure.