Cynthia Ezegwu
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has expressed concern over the increasing vandalism of its facilities across the country and called on state governments to take ownership of rail tracks within their jurisdictions to curb the menace.
The Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, made the call on Friday in Lagos during the parade of two suspects arrested by the Railway Police Command for allegedly vandalising rail tracks along the Warri–Itakpe corridor.
According to Opeifa, the suspects were apprehended for removing over 300 bolts and clips from the tracks, an act he described as “sabotage of critical national assets.”
“The essence of today’s gathering is the profiling of two suspects allegedly linked with the vandalism of train tracks. To address this issue, we will renew our discussions with the Delta State Government and increase local involvement,” he said.
He noted that the corporation had previously engaged only a few communities along the corridor but would now expand consultations to enhance community ownership and surveillance.
Opeifa disclosed that one of the suspects, a local farmer, was arrested within the community, adding that persistent security concerns had forced the NRC to shut one of its train stations in June.
“We are in talks with the Rural Electrification Agency to provide solar lighting within 500 meters around and after the stations to improve visibility and security. Everything boils down to funding,” he added.
The NRC boss maintained that cases of vandalism had reduced but said the corporation was determined to make examples of culprits to deter others.
“What worries us is that people describe these assets as scrap—they are not scrap; they are critical national assets,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Railway Command Headquarters, Vungmoh Kwaimo, described the vandalism of railway facilities as “pure sabotage,” stressing that it undermines the nation’s social and economic development.
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Kwaimo said the suspects, aged 27 and 39, were arrested during the act on November 4, noting that the crime appeared to be organised.
“Vandalism is not a bailable offence. The Railway CID is working to ensure speedy prosecution, and justice must be served. We will not pamper any criminal,” he said.
He added that the investigation had been extended to buyers of the stolen materials in Lagos and Agbor.
In his remarks, the President-General of the Nigerian Union of Railway Workers, Innocent Ajiji, commended the NRC and the police for their efforts, noting that vandalism of rail infrastructure had long been a major challenge.
“The incessant accidents we experience are caused by the removal of vital components that hold our tracks. Despite poor infrastructure and limited tools, railway workers are still doing their best to keep trains running,” Ajiji stated.