NRC Bemoans Surge In Vandalisation Of Equipment Across Rail Corridors
By Stella Enenche,Abuja
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has frowned at the increasing incidents of vandalisation of its electrical and signaling installations across the Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna and Warri-Itakpe corndors.
NRC made this known in a statement by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu on Saturday.
The corporation described the attacks as a threat to safe and efficient train operations in the country.
According to the statement, NRC lamented that two suspects have been arrested in Kaduna in connection with the recent attack on it’s equipment at the Rigasa Train Station.
“The suspects — Ibrahim Abdullahi (22 years old) of Hayi, Rigasa and Sani Ibrahim (24 years old) of Layi Turaki, Rigasa — were apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Police, Railway Command attached to the AbujaKaduna Train Service (AKTS).
“The arrest followed the discovery on Fnday, 10th October 2025, at about 12:30 p.m., that a cable wire had been cut and removed from one of NRC’s cranes stationed within the Rigasa facility. Acting swiftly on intelligence, the patrol team led by ASP Abdullahi Bwajin, Administrative Officer at Rigasa, traced and arrested the suspects.
“During interrogation, the duo confessed to committing the crime and disclosed that they sold the stolen cable to one Musa, popularly known as “Musa Major,” for 890,000. Each suspect reportedly received 430,000 as his share, while another member of their syndicate, Abdulwahab Yakubu of Rigasa, is currently at large,” the Corporation said.
NRC said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspect and recover the stolen materials.
The NRC commended the Nigerian Police Force for its professionalism and swift action, assuring that all culprits involved in acts of vandalism will face the full weight of the law.
The Managing Director NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, expressed deep concern over the increasing attacks on railway electrical and signaling infrastructure, describing them as Critical National Assets.
He stated that henceforth, the Corporation, in collaboration with security agencies, will treat such offences as economic sabotage with severe legal consequences for perpetrators.
Dr. Opeifa further appealed to members of the public, particularly residents of communities hosting railway facilities, to support the NRC and security agencies in protecting these assets.
He noted that the railway system has always served as a catalyst for community development and improved livehhoods, and safeguarding it remains a collective responsibility.
