|By Adejumo Adekunle-
-Railway Saboteurs Nabbed Across Three States in Coordinated Crackdown
–NRC Vows Zero Tolerance as Vandals Face Prosecution, Conviction
The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the arrest of several suspected vandals targeting critical railway infrastructure in Ilorin, Kano, and Gombe following coordinated security operations.
In a statement issued on Monday, NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, revealed that the suspects were apprehended after a string of reported thefts involving essential components such as fish plates, bolts, nuts, and steel sleepers—all vital for the safety and smooth operation of Nigeria’s railway tracks.
According to Opeifa, the first major case was discovered on June 11 in Ilorin, Kwara State, when NRC staff member Adesina Fabumi noticed that 56 fish plates and fasteners had been removed from a track segment between Kilometres 413 and 414 near Idi-Ose Village.
“These materials, vital to the integrity and safety of railway tracks, were removed and taken to unknown locations,” Opeifa stated.
A swift investigation led by Inspector Oniwara Babatunde resulted in the arrest of Wasiu Musa of Ajia Village the following day. During interrogation, Musa allegedly confessed and named his accomplice, Abdullahi Salman, who is currently on the run.
The investigation deepened, and on June 18, another suspect, Usman Bashir, was apprehended. Authorities recovered stolen materials from him, including 33 fish plates, 33 bolts and nuts, 80 AB & K fasteners, and 38 additional nuts. Inspector Oniwara Musa is now coordinating efforts to track down more culprits.
In a separate operation in Gombe State, security personnel intercepted a blue vehicle loaded with suspected stolen steel rail sleepers. Two suspects were arrested and are reportedly cooperating with the authorities.
Meanwhile, in Kano State, four individuals were arrested on June 15 in Zakirai town, Gabasawa Local Government Area. The suspects — Mukhter Muhammed (30), Abdullahi Musa (21), Sa’idu Yushe’u (26), and Salisu Shuaibu (24) — were caught vandalizing a rail segment. They were arraigned on June 19 and have pleaded guilty, leading to swift convictions.
Dr. Opeifa condemned the acts, reaffirming the NRC’s zero-tolerance policy on vandalism and warning perpetrators of the dire consequences.
“We will not tolerate attacks on our national assets. These actions endanger lives, cripple transport services, and cost the country millions,” he warned.
He urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities near rail lines to help protect the nation’s transport infrastructure.
