NRC denounces growing vandalism, arrests two in Kaduna…

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has expressed concern over increasing cases of vandalism of its electrical and signaling equipment across the country, particularly along the Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna and Warri-Itakpe railway routes.

In a statement released on Saturday by its public relations officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the NRC described the attacks as a grave threat to the safety and efficiency of rail operations nationwide.

Two suspects, Ibrahim Abdullahi (22) of Hayi, Rigasa, and Sani Ibrahim (24) of Layi Turaki, Rigasa, were arrested by operatives of the Nigerian Police, Railway Command, attached to the Abuja-Kaduna Railway Service (AKTS).

According to the statement, the suspects were arrested in Kaduna after a cable was discovered to have been cut and removed from one of the NRC cranes at Rigasa Railway Station at around 12.30pm on Friday. Acting on intelligence, a patrolling team led by ASP Abdullahi Bwajin, Rigasa Administrative Officer, traced and arrested the two.

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During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime, revealing that they had sold the stolen cable to one Musa, popularly known as “Musa Major”, for ₦90,000. Each suspect reportedly received ₦30,000 as fee, while another member of the gang, Abdulwahab Yakubu, remains at large.

The NRC noted that efforts are underway by the Railway Command to arrest the fleeing suspect and recover the stolen materials. He praised the Command for its swift and professional response, ensuring that anyone caught vandalizing railway infrastructure will face the full weight of the law.

NRC Chief Executive Officer and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, expressed deep concern over the rising wave of vandalism, describing the targeted facilities as critical national assets.

He warned that henceforth the Corporation, in collaboration with security agencies, would treat such acts as economic sabotage, with serious legal consequences.

Dr Opeifa also appealed to residents of communities hosting rail infrastructure to help safeguard these assets, stressing that the rail system remains a vital driver of community development and improved livelihoods.

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