NRC intensifies crackdown on Railway Vandalism

….arrests made across states

In a concerted efforts to stem the tide of criminality on the nation’s properties, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Railway Police Command has intensified efforts to curb railway vandalism with several arrests and material recoveries made in Bauchi, Kano, Kwara and Gombe States.

On June 20, 2025, operatives of the NSCDC Mining Team in Bauchi State intercepted a truckload of vandalised railway steel sleepers in the Missu axis. Three suspects were arrested and both the vehicle and the recovered items are now in NSCDC custody for further investigation.

Responding to the development ,the Managing Director of NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, reaffirmed the Corporation’s zero tolerance stance on vandalism, stating: “The arrest underscores our zero tolerance toward all forms of railway vandalism. We will relentlessly pursue every individual or network that endangers the safety and sustainability of rail transport in Nigeria.”

In a related case, the Chief Magistrate Court No.9 in Kano has reserved judgement until July 1, 2025 in a vandalism trial involving four suspects, Mukhter Muhammed (30), Abdullahi Musa (21), Sa’idu Yushe’u (26) and Salisu Shuaibu (24) who were arraigned on charges of conspiracy, mischief and theft following the vandalisation of railway lines at Zakirai town in Gabasawa LGA, Kano. The suspects were arrested on June 15, 2025 and have all pleaded guilty.

Similarly, in llorin, Kwara State, the Railway Police apprehended suspects involved in the theft of 56 pieces of fish plates, bolts and nuts between kilometres 413 and 414 near Idi-Osr Village. The arrest of Wasiu Musa of Ajia Village on June 12 led to further investigations and the recovery of additional materials. On June 28, Usman Bashir was also arrested with large cache of stolen railway items.

In Gombe, the Railway Police intercepted a blue vehicle loaded with suspected stolen steel sleepers. Two suspects were arrested and are assisting with ongoing investigations. The Managing Director reiterated NRC’s commitment to safeguarding railway infrastructure and warned that all acts of vandalism would be met with full legal force. He also urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity around railway corridors.

MIKE OCHONMA
Editor