NRC commends NSCDC for sealing steel company over alleged rail vandalism

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against railway vandalism with the sealing of a steel manufacturing company in Kaduna State allegedly linked to the illegal possession, recycling, and processing of vandalised railway materials and other critical national infrastructure assets. The operation, which followed weeks of […]

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against railway vandalism with the sealing of a steel manufacturing company in Kaduna State allegedly linked to the illegal possession, recycling, and processing of vandalised railway materials and other critical national infrastructure assets.

The operation, which followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance, was carried out at Inner Galaxy Steel Company located at Birnin Yero in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Addressing journalists during an inspection of the facility, the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed that the enforcement action was part of ongoing efforts by the Corps to dismantle syndicates involved in the vandalism and illegal trade of railway materials across the country.

According to him, investigations into the activities of the company commenced after security agencies intercepted and arrested suspects allegedly involved in railway infrastructure vandalism. Information obtained during interrogation reportedly led operatives to the Kaduna-based steel company where large quantities of railway materials suspected to have been vandalised from railway corridors were discovered.

Among the items recovered were railway sleepers, rail track components, and other metallic materials believed to be critical assets belonging to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). The NSCDC also alleged that the facility was being used as a collection and processing point where stolen railway materials were melted and recycled into industrial products such as roofing sheets and nails.

Afolabi stated that some suspects currently in custody are being investigated for offences bordering on conspiracy, theft, obstruction and destruction of railway infrastructure, concealment of stolen property, and actions capable of endangering railway passengers and operations.

He further revealed that the Corps secured a valid court order and search warrant authorising the sealing of the company pending the conclusion of investigations and prosecution processes.

According to him, all recovered railway sleepers and rail track materials have been transferred to the Nigerian Railway Corporation as exhibits for prosecution.

The NSCDC spokesman added that the court order also covered other facilities allegedly linked to the operation in Abia and Zamfara States, including companies suspected to be collaborating in the illegal recycling and distribution network.

Afolabi disclosed that some arrested staff members allegedly confessed during interrogation that vandalised railway materials and other critical infrastructure components were routinely transported to the company for processing and recycling.

He also confirmed that some foreign nationals connected to the matter had been summoned by investigators but were yet to appear before the authorities at the time of filing the report.

The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, while reacting to the development, urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of curbing acts of vandalism and economic sabotage across the country.

Audi assured Nigerians that all suspects found culpable after investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, stressing that the Corps remains committed to protecting critical national infrastructure and reducing acts of vandalism to the barest minimum.

The NSCDC boss also commended the judiciary for granting the court order that facilitated the sealing of the premises and appreciated members of the media for supporting efforts aimed at exposing economic crimes and protecting national assets.

Reacting to the development, the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation described the operation as a major victory in the ongoing war against railway vandalism and sabotage of public infrastructure.

The Corporation commended the NSCDC for its professionalism, swift action, and sustained collaboration in safeguarding railway assets across the country.

The NRC noted that vandalism of railway tracks and materials poses serious dangers to rail operations, public safety, and government investments in the transportation sector.

The Corporation reiterated that all railway materials, whether serviceable or unserviceable, remain critical national assets and should not be tampered with, stolen, or illegally traded.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, had earlier emphasized that the war against railway track vandalism is one that must be collectively fought and decisively won in order to protect the nation’s rail transportation system and ongoing investments in railway modernization.

The NRC therefore appealed to communities residing along railway corridors, scrap dealers, transporters, and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around railway facilities and tracks to security agencies for immediate action.