The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has expressed deep concern over the recurring vandalism of its rail infrastructure and called on state governments to take greater responsibility for protecting railway assets within their jurisdictions.
Speaking during the parade of two suspected vandals at the NRC headquarters in Lagos on Friday, the corporation’s Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, said the suspects were apprehended by officers of the Railway Police Command for allegedly removing fishplates along the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor.
Opeifa revealed that more than 300 bolts and clips were taken from the tracks, describing the act as a dangerous form of sabotage that undermines national investment in the rail sector.
“The purpose of today’s gathering is to present two suspects who have been linked with the vandalism of train tracks.
Over 300 bolts and clips were removed along th jn.yle route.
“To curb this menace, we are renewing talks with the Delta State Government and expanding engagement with communities along the corridor, ” he said.
According to the NRC boss, discussions are ongoing with local communities to strengthen surveillance and community policing along rail lines.
He also appealed to state governments to provide access roads leading to railway stations and terminals to boost security and accessibility.
Opeifa noted that the corporation had to close one of its train stations in June due to persistent security threats in the area.
He added that the NRC is working with the Rural Electrification Agency to install solar-powered lights within a 500-metre radius of stations to improve visibility and deter criminal activity.
He also clarified that the rate of vandalism has reduced, but the corporation would continue to publicize arrests to discourage future offenders.
“People often refer to these items as scrap, but they are not. They are critical national assets essential to our operations,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Railway Command Headquarters, CP Vungmoh Kwaimo, condemned the act, describing the vandalism of rail lines as “a deliberate act of economic sabotage.”
“Railway transport plays a vital role in the nation’s socio-economic development.
”Destroying its infrastructure is not only criminal but also a direct attack on Nigeria’s progress,” Kwaimo stated.
He disclosed that the two suspects aged 27 and 39, from Kano and Delta States respectively, were caught on November 4 and that investigations revealed the operation was organised crime involving multiple actors.
Kwaimo emphasised that vandalism of railway facilities is not a bailable offence and assured the public that the Command’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) would ensure speedy prosecution.
“Justice will be served. This case will be used as a deterrent to others contemplating such acts. We are also tracing the chain of buyers who deal in stolen railway materials both in Lagos and Agbor,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr. Innocent Ajiji, President-General of the Nigerian Union of Railway Workers, commended the NRC management and police authorities for their efforts in tackling vandalism but lamented the longstanding nature of the problem.
“These acts of vandalism have caused several train accidents because the removed components are vital to the stability of our tracks.
“Despite working with outdated equipment and infrastructure, our workers continue to give their best to keep the trains running,” he said.
He called for stronger community participation, better surveillance systems, and stiffer penalties for offenders to safeguard the country’s multi-billion-naira rail investments.
