The Nigerian Railway Corporation has condemned the growing destruction of railway infrastructure in Plateau and Bauchi states, warning that continued s on rail facilities threaten public safety, national security and economic development.
The corporation described the incidents as deliberate acts of sabotage against critical national assets and expressed concern over the increasing activities of vandals targeting railway components across different parts of the country.
According to the NRC, one of the recent incidents occurred on May 21 when a truck allegedly transporting vandalised railway materials became trapped between Kuru and Science School in Plateau State. The corporation said the development exposed the activities of organised criminal groups involved in the illegal removal and transportation of railway infrastructure.
The NRC also reported severe damage along the Zango axis in Bauchi State between Kilometer 878 and 889, where railway slippers were completely removed on both sides of a level crossing. Only a few disconnected rail tracks were reportedly left behind at the scene.
The corporation warned that the destruction of tracks, sleepers, clips and signalling materials could lead to fatal train accidents, disruption of rail services and massive financial losses to the country. It stressed that railway infrastructure remains a strategic national investment designed to improve transportation, boost trade and support economic growth.
Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, strongly condemned the s and described them as a direct threat to national progress and the safety of railway passengers and workers.
Opeifa said the repeated vandalism incidents across the North Central and North East rail corridors now represent a major security concern that requires urgent intervention from security agencies, state governments, traditional rulers and local communities.
He appealed to Nigerians to see railway infrastructure as a shared national asset that must be protected at all costs. The NRC boss also warned vandals, scrap metal dealers and anyone involved in the illegal trade or movement of railway materials to stop immediately or face legal consequences.
The corporation reaffirmed its commitment to protecting railway facilities and ensuring safe rail transportation across the country.
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