NRC raises the alarm over vandalism of Lagos–Ibadan rail signal equipment

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has expressed concern over the vandalisation of key signalling equipment along the Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge corridor, particularly between the Agege and Agbado stations.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the corporation described the act as a deliberate sabotage of national infrastructure with serious safety implications for both passengers and staff.

According to the NRC, unknown individuals tampered with critical components of the railway signalling system, including the removal of signal machine cap protectors and the cutting of connection cables on Switch Point Machine No. 2. The damage was discovered during a routine inspection by NRC engineers.

“The Corporation strongly condemns these acts of sabotage against national infrastructure. Such actions not only disrupt train operations but also pose grave safety risks,” the statement read.

Unyimadu assured the public that despite the vandalism, train services along the Lagos–Ibadan route remain fully operational and unaffected.

Security agencies have been alerted to investigate the incident and apprehend those responsible.

The NRC reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safe and reliable rail operations while urging residents and communities along railway lines to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near rail facilities.

This latest incident comes just weeks after the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of railway infrastructure in its report on the Abuja–Kaduna train accident.

The NRC has repeatedly decried the persistent vandalism of its infrastructure — from rail tracks to signalling and communication systems — which continues to threaten the safety and efficiency of train operations nationwide.