Troops from Sector 2 of Operation Hadin Kai in Yobe State have intercepted a truck carrying suspected vandalised railway iron sleepers and arrested eight people, including five officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The operation was carried out on Tuesday July 8 around 4:00 p.m. in the Katarko area of Gujba Local Government Area, following credible intelligence on the movement of stolen railway materials.
The truck, which was heading to Damaturu, was stopped and searched. Alongside it, a Hilux vehicle marked NSCDC CD 234 A believed to have been providing illegal escort for the truck was also seized.
Initial investigations revealed that the vandalised railway parts were stolen from the Kukuwa area, also within Gujba LGA. It was further discovered that the NSCDC officers allegedly agreed to escort the truck in exchange for money.
A total of N128,500, suspected to be a bribe for the escort, was found hidden in the inner clothing of one of the NSCDC officers.
The suspects and the recovered items have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Damaturu for further investigation. An anti-bomb squad has also been directed to examine the materials to ensure public safety.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and all those found guilty will face prosecution.
