The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has lashed out at the alarming surge of attacks on its facilities by criminal elements, with Managing Director/CEO Dr. Kayode Opeifa condemning the rising wave of vandalism and sabotage.
Speaking out in response to two recent attacks on the Warri-Itakpe line and the Oghaho section in Nkanu East LGA, Enugu State, Opeifa expressed outrage at the brazen criminal activities threatening to cripple railway operations.
The first attack targeted the Warri-Itakpe line, where NRC’s swift intervention narrowly avoided a complete suspension of operations.
Reports from the local vigilante group in Agbarho Community, Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, alerted the NRC to a massive track vandalism.
Upon dispatching railway officers to the site, it was discovered that essential track components, including hold-down bolts and clips, had been stolen.
Despite the destruction, NRC workers quickly restored the track, allowing for the safe passage of trains. However, the attack caused a 40-minute delay to WITS 01 on May 12, 2025.
In a shocking second incident in Enugu State’s Eastern District, vandals took their sabotage to an extreme level, attacking Bridge No. 24 at KM284, Oghaho Section.
Criminals used oxygen and acetylene to cut heavy bridge spans into pieces. When NRC’s security and engineering team arrived, they found the vital bridge parts destroyed and scattered.
While the vandals had fled, efforts are underway to recover the stolen materials. The area, plagued by insecurity and banditry, has forced nearby communities to abandon their homes.
Opeifa condemned the economic sabotage, commended the Agbarho Community Vigilante for their vigilance, and urged other communities to adopt similar security measures to protect national assets.
He reaffirmed NRC’s commitment to working closely with security agencies, pledging full support in tackling the ever-growing challenge of safeguarding railway facilities nationwide.
Opeifa’s call to action has sent shockwaves through the railway sector, with the NRC vowing to strengthen its defences against these relentless attacks on vital infrastructure.
