NSCDC shut steel firms linked to rail sabotage

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has sealed facilities belonging to Inner Galaxy Steel nationwide over alleged involvement in the vandalism and recycling of railway infrastructure and other critical national assets.

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The Corps said the action followed a court order obtained after the arrest of suspects and recovery of vandalised railway materials allegedly traced to the company’s premises in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

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Addressing journalists during a briefing on Sunday at the facility, the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, said the suspects were being investigated for conspiracy to commit felony, intentional endangering of railway passengers, obstruction and destruction of railway infrastructure, theft, concealment of stolen property and alleged financing of terrorism.

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According to him, the Corps secured a valid court order and search warrant authorising the sealing of the premises and the transfer of all recovered railway sleepers and tracks to the Nigerian Railway Corporation as exhibits for prosecution.

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He said, “The facility will remain sealed pending the conclusion of investigations.

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“The court order also covers the sealing of facilities linked to Inner Galaxy Steel Company and Jiuxing Integrity Industrial Ltd in Abia and Zamfara states, as well as any other branches nationwide connected to the investigation.”

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Afolabi alleged that some arrested staff members confessed during interrogation that vandalised railway materials and other critical infrastructure components were usually transported to the company’s facilities for melting and recycling into products such as nails and roofing sheets.

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He added, “Some Chinese nationals linked to the matter have also been invited for questioning but are yet to appear before investigators.”

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The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, called on members of the public to support the Corps with credible information to curb vandalism and economic sabotage across the country.

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Audi directed the Commandant in charge of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, Appollos Dandaura, and other operatives handling the case to ensure diligence and professionalism throughout the investigation.

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“All suspects found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Audi said.

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He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and reducing acts of vandalism nationwide.

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The NSCDC also commended the judiciary for granting the court order and appreciated members of the media for supporting efforts aimed at exposing economic crimes and safeguarding national assets.

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Railway vandalism and attacks on critical infrastructure have remained major concerns in Nigeria in recent years, with security agencies repeatedly warning that the destruction and theft of railway components pose serious threats to public safety, transportation and the economy.

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The Federal Government has, in recent years, intensified efforts to revive the nation’s railway system through massive investments in rail transport, including the Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail lines. However, cases of vandalism, theft of rail tracks and attacks on railway facilities have continued to undermine the projects and increase maintenance costs.

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The NSCDC, which is statutorily charged with protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, has stepped up enforcement operations across the country as part of efforts to combat economic sabotage and protect public utilities

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