Nigerian Railway Corporation Cracks Down, Sounds Warning Over Rising Incidents of Vandalism in Plateau and Bauchi States

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has sounded the alarm on a fresh wave of coordinated attacks targeting railway infrastructure across the country, with recent incidents reported in Plateau and Bauchi States.

n

This disturbing trend prompted the Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, to speak out through the Chief Public Relations Officer, NRC, Mr Callistus Unyimadu, condemning the attacks as a direct threat to national security, economic growth, and public safety.

n

A notable incident occurred on May 21, 2026, when a truck loaded with stolen railway materials became stuck between Kuru and Science School in Plateau State, exposing the illicit activities of those involved in the destruction and smuggling of railway materials.

n

In Bauchi State, between Kilometer 878 and 889, along Zango, railway slippers were completely removed from a level crossing, leaving behind only a few disjointed rail pieces, highlighting the severity of the vandalism.

n

The NRC warned that such acts of vandalism could have disastrous consequences, including catastrophic train accidents, disruption of rail services, loss of lives, and destruction of government investments valued at billions of naira.

n

The corporation emphasized that railway tracks, slippers, clips, fastenings, and signaling materials are vital national assets built with taxpayers' money to facilitate transportation, trade, and economic activities, and should never be treated as scraps for illicit business.

n

Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of the NRC, strongly condemned the persistent attacks on railway facilities, describing them as a form of sabotage against national progress and a serious threat to the safety of passengers and railway personnel.

n

According to Opeifa, the increasing incidents of vandalism in the North Central and North East corridors indicate a disturbing pattern that requires urgent collective action from security agencies, state governments, traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents living along railway lines.

n

Opeifa appealed to Nigerians to regard railway infrastructure as a national symbol and strategic economic asset that must be protected at all times, and warned those involved in the illegal purchase, movement, or destruction of railway materials to desist immediately.

n

He stressed that anyone caught engaging in such activities would face the full weight of the law, and also called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations around railway corridors nationwide.

n

Opeifa urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities around railway facilities, highlighting the need for collective action to protect the country's railway infrastructure.