The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has arrested two suspected vandals in connection with the recent destruction of its electrical and signaling installations across the country. The suspects, identified as Ibrahim Abdullahi, 22, and Sani Ibrahim, 24, were apprehended by the Nigeria Police, Railway Command, in Kaduna. They are accused of vandalizing equipment at the Rigasa Train Station area, specifically cutting and removing a cable wire from one of NRC’s cranes.

According to a statement by the NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the suspects confessed to the crime and revealed that they sold the stolen cable to a buyer known as “Musa Major” for ₦90,000. Each suspect received ₦30,000 as their share, while another member of their syndicate, Abdulwahab Yakubu, remains at large.

The NRC has expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of vandalism, which it describes as a major threat to safe and efficient train operations. The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has stated that the corporation, in collaboration with security agencies, will treat such offenses as economic sabotage with severe legal consequences for perpetrators.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has appealed to the public, particularly residents of communities hosting railway facilities, to support the NRC and security agencies in protecting these critical national assets. The railway system plays a vital role in community development and improved livelihoods, and safeguarding it remains a collective responsibility.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspect and recover the stolen materials. The NRC has commended the Nigeria Police, Railway Command, for its professionalism and swift action in addressing the issue. As the investigation continues, the NRC reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of its train operations, and to holding perpetrators of vandalism accountable for their actions.

The increasing incidents of vandalism on railway electrical and signaling installations pose a significant threat to the country’s transportation infrastructure. The Nigerian Railway Corporation’s efforts to address this issue highlight the need for collaboration between the corporation, security agencies, and the public to protect these critical assets and ensure the continued safety and efficiency of train operations.