A suspected railway vandal has been arrested by the Bauchi State Police Command after officers recovered a large quantity of railway slippers believed to have been removed from the tracks.
The suspect, identified as Abubakar Sanusi, was apprehended in the Doya Quarters area of Bauchi metropolis following intelligence received by the police.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, said the information came in the early hours of August 17, 2026, prompting officers from the ‘A’ Division Township to begin an investigation.
He said the operatives eventually traced the suspected stolen materials to a residential building in Doya Quarters, where the railway slippers were recovered.
He said, “In response, operatives attached to ‘A’ Division Township swiftly swung into action and traced the stolen items to a residential building in Doya Quarters, as against the expectation that such exhibits would be concealed in a warehouse or government facility.”
Habib disclosed that the recovered items were taken to the police station, while Sanusi was arrested in connection with the alleged offence.
He stated, “Consequently, the entire consignment of vandalised railway slippers was recovered and evacuated to the station. The operation was concluded at about 0330hrs on 18th August 2026 with the arrest of a male suspect, Abubakar Sanusi, in connection with the crime.”
The police said efforts were ongoing to uncover the identities of other people allegedly involved in the operation and bring them to justice.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, also warned against the destruction of public infrastructure, stressing that offenders would be made to face the law.
He stated, “Anyone found engaging in vandalism or destruction of government property will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
The command further appealed to residents to assist security agencies by reporting suspicious movements or activities that could threaten public infrastructure.
It added, “We call on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station and support in the protection of national assets, anywhere and always.”