NRC declares war on railway vandals

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has pledged to intensify its collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to protect the nation’s railway infrastructure, following the recent arrest of three suspected railway vandals and the recovery of stolen materials valued at about ₦200 million.

Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, made the commitment on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola, at the Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.

Accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Railway Police Command, CP Lasisi Titilola, Opeifa described railway infrastructure as a critical national asset that must be protected from vandalism, theft and sabotage.

He said the Corporation would sustain intelligence sharing and joint operations with security agencies to ensure that suspects arrested for vandalising railway facilities are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to deter others from engaging in similar crimes.

Opeifa commended the Oyo State Police Command and the Nigeria Railway Police Command for their professionalism and swift response, which culminated in the arrest of three suspects allegedly transporting vandalised railway materials from Niger State to Lagos.

The recovered railway components, estimated to be worth about ₦200 million, were intercepted during an intelligence-led operation, a development the NRC boss described as a major breakthrough in the campaign against the destruction of railway infrastructure.

According to him, the successful operation underscores the importance of sustained collaboration between the Corporation and security agencies in safeguarding public assets and ensuring uninterrupted rail services.

He stressed that the NRC would continue to strengthen partnerships with the police, other security agencies, state governments, host communities and relevant stakeholders to eliminate criminal activities capable of undermining the country’s expanding railway network.

Opeifa also urged Nigerians to support the fight against railway vandalism by providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

“The Nigerian Railway Corporation remains committed to providing safe, reliable and sustainable rail transportation while working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to protect the nation’s railway infrastructure,” he said.

Responding, CP Abimbola called on the National Assembly to review existing laws on the vandalism of critical national infrastructure by prescribing stiffer penalties for offenders.

He warned criminals to stay away from Oyo State, assuring residents that the Command would continue to track down, arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the theft or destruction of public infrastructure.

The police commissioner added that the three suspects and the recovered railway materials would be handed over to the Nigeria Railway Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.