NSCDC shuts steel firms over rail vandalism

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has sealed facilities linked to Inner Galaxy Steel across Nigeria over alleged involvement in railway vandalism and the recycling of critical infrastructure.

The crackdown followed a court order obtained after the arrest of suspects and the recovery of vandalised railway components traced to the company’s premises in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Addressing journalists, NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi said the suspects are being investigated for offences including conspiracy, destruction of railway infrastructure, theft, concealment of stolen items, and alleged terrorism financing.

He noted that the court order authorised both the sealing of the facilities and the transfer of recovered materials—such as rail tracks and sleepers—to the Nigerian Railway Corporation as evidence.

Afolabi added that the directive extends to other facilities linked to the company in Abia and Zamfara states, as well as any additional branches connected to the case nationwide.

According to him, preliminary findings suggest that vandalised railway materials were transported to the company’s plants, where they were melted and repurposed into items like roofing sheets and nails.

The Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi, urged the public to support ongoing efforts by providing credible information to security agencies.

He also directed the Special Intelligence Squad to ensure a thorough and professional investigation, stressing that all those found culpable would face prosecution.

The NSCDC reaffirmed its resolve to safeguard critical national assets and tackle acts of economic sabotage, noting that railway vandalism continues to pose serious threats to public safety and infrastructure development.