NRC decries rising vandalism, arrests two in Kaduna

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised concern over the growing cases of vandalisation of its electrical and signalling equipment across the country, particularly along the Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, and Warri–Itakpe train routes.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the NRC described the attacks as a major threat to the safety and efficiency of train operations nationwide.

Two suspects, Ibrahim Abdullahi (22) of Hayi, Rigasa, and Sani Ibrahim (24) of Layi Turaki, Rigasa, have been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police, Railway Command, attached to the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS).

According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended in Kaduna following the discovery on Friday, around 12:30 p.m., that a cable wire had been cut and removed from one of the NRC’s cranes at the Rigasa Train Station. Acting on intelligence, a patrol team led by ASP Abdullahi Bwajin, Administrative Officer at Rigasa, traced and arrested the duo.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime, revealing that they sold the stolen cable to one Musa, popularly known as “Musa Major”, for ₦90,000. Each suspect allegedly received ₦30,000 as their share, while another member of the gang, Abdulwahab Yakubu, remains at large.

The NRC noted that efforts are ongoing by the Railway Command to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover the stolen materials. It commended the Command for its swift and professional response, assuring that anyone caught vandalising railway infrastructure will face the full weight of the law.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, expressed deep concern over the rising spate of vandalism, describing the targeted facilities as Critical National Assets.

He warned that henceforth, the Corporation, in collaboration with security agencies, will treat such acts as economic sabotage, carrying severe legal consequences.

Dr. Opeifa also appealed to residents of communities hosting railway infrastructure to assist in safeguarding these assets, noting that the railway system remains a vital driver of community development and improved livelihoods.