The police command in Oyo state has arrested three suspects in connection with the vandalism and theft of railway tracks valued at N200 million.

Its spokesman, Olayinka Ayanlade, said in a statement on Tuesday that the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the railway tracks were made possible by a timely tip-off from a vigilant resident.

The police said operatives of the command’s monitoring unit caught the suspects in the Gambari, Orile-Igbon area of the state on Tuesday around 1:45 p.m.

“The suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal movement of vandalised railway tracks. Recovered during the operation were vandalised rail tracks estimated to be worth N200 million and a HOWO truck bearing registration number CAL 972 XA (Cross River), allegedly used in conveying the stolen items,” Mr Ayanlade said.

Preliminary investigation showed the railway tracks were unlawfully removed from Niger, transported into the state, and intended for Lagos as part of a coordinated criminal operation, according to the statement.

“They (suspects) include the contracted driver responsible for conveying the stolen railway tracks to Lagos state, a co-conspirator involved in coordinating the operation, and a temporary receiver who provides a storage location in Ogbomoso pending the clandestine movement of the stolen materials to their final destination,” the police stated.

Mr Ayanlade said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate who are on the lam.

(NAN)