NRC Decries Rising Vandalism of Railway Facilities

NRC Decries Rising Vandalism of Railway Facilities
NRC confirmed the arrest of two suspected vandals
Dr. Kayode Opeifa expressed deep concern over the repeated attacks on railway assets

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has condemned the growing wave of vandalism targeting its electrical and signaling installations across the Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, and Warri–Itakpe corridors, describing the attacks as a serious threat to safe and efficient train operations.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that in a statement issued on Saturday by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the NRC confirmed the arrest of two suspected vandals by operatives of the Nigeria Police, Railway Command, attached to the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS).

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The suspects Ibrahim Abdullahi (22) of Hayi, Rigasa, and Sani Ibrahim (24) of Layi Turaki, Rigasa were apprehended in connection with the vandalisation of electrical cables at the Rigasa Train Station in Kaduna.

According to the statement, the arrests followed the discovery on Friday at about 12:30 p.m. that a section of cable wire had been cut and removed from one of NRC’s cranes stationed within the facility.

Acting on intelligence, a patrol team led by ASP Abdullahi Bwajin, Administrative Officer at Rigasa, traced and arrested the suspects. During interrogation, the duo allegedly confessed to the crime and revealed that they sold the stolen cable to one Musa, popularly known as “Musa Major,” for ₦90,000. Each suspect reportedly received ₦30,000 as his share, while another member of the gang, Abdulwahab Yakubu, remains at large.

NRC Decries Rising Vandalism of Railway Facilities

The NRC said efforts were ongoing by the police to apprehend the remaining suspect and recover the stolen materials.

Commending the swift response of the Railway Police Command, the NRC assured that all culprits involved in acts of vandalism would face full prosecution.

The Managing Director/CEO of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, expressed deep concern over the repeated attacks on railway assets, describing them as Critical National Infrastructure.

He stated that going forward, the NRC, in partnership with security agencies, would treat such acts as economic sabotage, carrying severe legal consequences.

Dr. Opeifa also appealed to communities hosting railway facilities to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.

“The railway system remains a vital driver of national development and improved livelihoods. Protecting it is a shared responsibility,” he emphasized.