Railway

NSCDC Seals Chinese-Linked Steel Company, Arrests 12 Over Railway Track Vandalism

Published

2 months ago

May 25, 2026

NSCDC Seals Chinese-Linked Steel Company, Arrests 12 Over Railway Track Vandalism

Kaduna, Nigeria – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sealed facilities belonging to a Chinese-linked steel company across the country following allegations of involvement in railway vandalism and the illegal recycling of critical national infrastructure . The enforcement action targeted Inner Galaxy Steel Company and other associated facilities after months of intelligence-led investigations linked the firm to the alleged handling, compression, and melting of vandalised railway materials .

The operation, which followed weeks of intensive surveillance, was triggered by a viral video on social media that showed extensive vandalism of the newly laid Kaduna-Kano railway tracks as well as older rail infrastructure across parts of Northern Nigeria . After the video circulated widely, the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi , directed the Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) , led by Commandant Apollos Dandaura, and the Kaduna State Command to identify and arrest those responsible for the economic sabotage.

Speaking on Sunday at the company’s premises in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State , the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi , said the operation followed the arrest of suspects and the recovery of railway tracks and sleepers from the facility . Afolabi disclosed that the corps had obtained a court order and search warrant authorising the sealing of the premises and the preservation of recovered exhibits for prosecution by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) , which has since commended the NSCDC for its sustained crackdown on railway vandals.

According to Afolabi, preliminary findings from the investigation revealed a sophisticated criminal syndicate operating under the guise of legitimate business. Vandalised railway materials were allegedly transported to the company’s Kaduna facility, where they were compressed into scrap metal to conceal their original form. From Kaduna, the compressed materials were transported to the company’s head office in Aba, Abia State . There, the stolen national assets were allegedly melted down and recycled into products such as roofing sheets, nails, and iron rods , which were then sold back to the public. The NSCDC described this as a sophisticated local and international network engaging in economic sabotage.

READ ALSO:

Afolabi added that the court order covered Inner Galaxy Steel Company and Jiuxing Integrity Industrial Ltd , as well as other linked facilities in Abia and Zamfara states , including branches nationwide suspected to be connected to the case . The NSCDC confirmed that the enforcement operation has effectively shut down the company’s ability to continue processing stolen materials while investigations proceed.

The NSCDC has confirmed that 12 suspects are currently in custody in connection with the railway vandalism case . Those arrested from the Kaduna facility have been identified as Usman Hassan, 27 (company manager), Bilyaminu Usman, 30 (weighbridge operator), Choji John Pam, 40 (weighbridge officer), Jamilu Isah Jaafar, 37 (scrap collector), Chukwuemeka Udonwoke, 38 (supervisor), Chikwodilli Ezema, 29 (company manager), and Isaac Etim, 36 (scrap leader) . According to the corps, some of these suspects have allegedly confessed to their roles in the criminal network, providing valuable intelligence that is aiding the ongoing investigation.

The suspects are being investigated for alleged offences bordering on 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 . The NSCDC stated that these charges reflect the severity of the crimes, which not only rob the nation of critical infrastructure but also endanger the lives of passengers who rely on the railway network for daily transportation.

Recovered exhibits from the company’s facilities include large quantities of vandalised railway tracks and sleepers , suspected NNPC and Water Board pipes valued at billions of naira, as well as specialised machines allegedly used for compressing and concealing the stolen materials . The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) , Dr. Kayode Opeifa , represented by NRC Chief Technical Officer Paul Doche, confirmed that NRC officials had visited the sealed facility and identified some of the corporation’s stolen materials. “We have gone round and identified some of our materials there. These are national assets,” Doche stated, adding that officials were still working to determine the full volume of recovered items because many remained buried under metal debris.

Afolabi also disclosed that Chinese nationals linked to the company have been summoned for questioning but were yet to appear before investigators . While the corps did not name the individuals, the summoning indicates that the investigation is reaching into the upper management levels of the company, and the NSCDC has made it clear that no one, regardless of nationality or status, will be shielded from prosecution if found culpable.

READ ALSO:

“The facility will remain sealed pending the conclusion of investigations,” Afolabi stated firmly . He added that all recovered railway sleepers and tracks would be transferred to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as exhibits for prosecution, ensuring that the stolen assets are preserved as evidence in the impending legal proceedings.

In a related development, NSCDC operatives also arrested five additional suspects over the alleged vandalism of railway infrastructure along the Kaduna-Abuja corridor in Gwagwada community, Chikun Local Government Area . Items recovered from those suspects included railway tracks, railway sleepers, and gas cylinders allegedly used to cut and damage the rail infrastructure, further demonstrating the widespread nature of railway vandalism across the region.

The NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi , has directed the Special Intelligence Squad to ensure a thorough and professional investigation, stressing that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted regardless of their status or nationality . “Under this leadership, the NSCDC will not treat economic sabotage with kid gloves. We are going after the sponsors,” the Commandant General was quoted as saying. “This operation marks the beginning of a new phase in our crackdown on syndicates supporting vandalism under any disguise.”

Audi urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support efforts aimed at curbing vandalism and protecting critical national assets . He commended the judiciary for granting the court order that enabled the sealing operation and appreciated members of the media for supporting efforts to expose economic crimes and safeguard national assets.

This is not the first time a Chinese-linked steel company has been implicated in Nigeria’s railway vandalism crisis. In May 2021 , the Nasarawa State Police Command arrested Marra Thai , a Chinese national and manager of Yong Xing Steel Company in Tunga Maje, Abuja, for allegedly acting as a “criminal receiver” of stolen railway tracks and sleepers . That case also led to the arrest of a governor’s aide, two police officers, an NSCDC personnel, and a former supervisory councillor, highlighting the deep and persistent nature of the criminal networks targeting Nigeria’s railway infrastructure.

The destruction and theft of Nigeria’s railway infrastructure represent one of the gravest threats to national development and security. Across the nation, from the Warri-Itakpe line to the Abuja-Kaduna corridor , the Eastern and Western Districts, the Lagos-Ibadan railway, and throughout the Northern network, vandals systematically dismantle tracks, steal armoured cables, and pillage essential equipment. The NSCDC’s latest operation demonstrates a renewed commitment to dismantling the supply chains that make this vandalism profitable.

As of May 25, 2026 , Inner Galaxy Steel Company’s facilities across Nigeria remain sealed. The 12 arrested suspects are in NSCDC custody, and investigations are ongoing. Chinese nationals linked to the case have been summoned but have yet to appear before investigators. The NSCDC has stated that anyone found culpable will face prosecution in accordance with the law, sending a clear message that economic sabotage will not be tolerated.

NSCDC Seals Chinese-Linked Steel Company, Arrests 12 Over Railway Track Vandalism

Related Topics:Chinese-Linked Featured NSCDC railway Steel Company

Up Next

NRC Confirms Warri–Itakpe Train Accident, Three Passengers Dead

Don't Miss

NRC Cries Out as Vandals Strip Railway Tracks in Plateau, Bauchi

Railway

Lagos Makes History as NRC Grants Permanent Rail Licence to Run Train Services

Published

1 week ago

June 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Lagos Makes History as NRC Grants Permanent Rail Licence to Run Train Services

Lagos State has become the first state government in Nigeria to receive a permanent licence to operate railway services after the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) formally authorised it to run both passenger and freight operations under the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line, marking a major milestone in the country’s rail sector reforms.

The NRC on Tuesday presented the permanent operating licence to the Lagos State Government, officially authorising it to operate the Red Line under the existing Track Sharing Agreement.

The approval makes Lagos the first sub-national government in Nigeria to obtain a permanent licence to operate the full complement of railway services, covering both passenger and freight transportation.

Presenting the licence, the Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, described the development as a watershed moment in the nation’s railway industry, saying it signalled a transition from the era when the NRC was the country’s sole rail operator to a regulated system that accommodates multiple operators.

According to him, the permanent licence empowers the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to continue operating on the shared rail corridor while also giving the Lagos State Government the legal backing to develop and operate other rail systems in line with global best practices.

Opeifa recalled that the journey began in April 2012 when former President Goodluck Jonathan approved the transfer of two federal rail tracks to Lagos State for the development of the LRMT Red Line, a project that has since become one of Nigeria’s most significant urban transport initiatives.
He noted that passenger services on the Red Line commenced on October 15, 2024, following its inauguration by President Bola Tinubu, adding that the NRC played a key role in the project’s success through technical collaboration and personnel training.

READ ALSO:

The NRC boss explained that Lagos State was initially granted a temporary operating licence to enable the implementation of the Track Sharing Agreement while operational assessments were carried out. He said the successful completion of the evaluation process paved the way for the issuance of the permanent licence.
He commended the Lagos State Government for its sustained investment in rail infrastructure, rolling stock and mass transit, describing the achievement as a product of visionary leadership, political commitment and long-term planning.
Opeifa also urged other state governments to emulate Lagos by investing in rail transportation, stressing that expanding rail infrastructure across the country would ease road congestion, reduce logistics costs, improve passenger mobility, stimulate economic activities and accelerate national development.
He reaffirmed the NRC’s commitment to partnering with state governments and other stakeholders to build an integrated, safe and sustainable railway network across Nigeria.
Responding, LAMATA Managing Director, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, described the permanent licence as the culmination of years of rigorous assessments and collaboration with the NRC.
She praised the corporation for its technical support throughout the process, saying LAMATA had benefited immensely from the partnership with the over 100-year-old railway institution.
Akinajo said the Lagos State Government had already procured three additional train sets in anticipation of the permanent licence. According to her, the new rolling stock will increase daily Red Line services from the current nine trips to 24.
She added that when fully operational, the Red Line is expected to transport more than 200,000 passengers daily, while reaffirming the state’s commitment to expanding rail transport as part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda and its vision of an integrated intermodal transport system.
Background
The Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line is one of the flagship rail projects designed to tackle traffic congestion and improve urban mobility in Africa’s largest city. Built largely on an existing Nigerian Railway Corporation corridor, the line links Agbado to Oyingbo and forms part of Lagos State’s broader strategy to develop a modern, integrated public transportation system.
The permanent operating licence comes as the Federal Government continues to implement railway sector reforms aimed at encouraging greater participation by state governments and private operators. Industry stakeholders believe the move could accelerate investment in rail infrastructure and modernise transportation across the country.

Lagos Makes History as NRC Grants Permanent Rail Licence to Run Train Services

Railway

Opeifa Seeks EU Investment to Fast-track Nigeria’s Low-Carbon Rail Revolution

Published

2 weeks ago

June 26, 2026

Trends Admin

Opeifa Seeks EU Investment to Fast-track Nigeria’s Low-Carbon Rail Revolution

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has called on the European Union, international investors and development finance institutions to channel sustainable investments into Nigeria’s railway sector to accelerate the country’s transition to a low-carbon transport system and drive economic growth.

Opeifa said expanding and modernising Nigeria’s rail network would not only help reduce carbon emissions but also lower logistics costs, improve passenger mobility, create jobs and strengthen regional connectivity, positioning rail as a catalyst for national development.

Speaking at the 10th Nigeria–EU Business Forum on Sustainable Transportation and Global Gateway Opportunities for Partnerships held on Thursday, Opeifa described rail transportation as a strategic national asset capable of advancing Nigeria’s economic transformation while supporting its climate change commitments.

According to him, rail remains one of the cleanest and most energy-efficient modes of transportation, making sustained investment in the sector critical to reducing pressure on the nation’s highways and promoting environmentally friendly mobility.

“By strengthening our railway network, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions, ease congestion on our highways, lower logistics costs, improve passenger mobility, and stimulate industrial and commercial activities across Nigeria,” he said.

READ ALSO:

The NRC boss reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to building a modern, efficient, safe and environmentally sustainable railway system through ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening rail infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and expanding freight services.

He added that the corporation is also creating opportunities for greater private sector participation through sustainable investment models that would unlock long-term value in the railway industry.

Opeifa identified the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative as a major platform for deepening cooperation between Nigeria and international partners in the development of critical rail infrastructure.

He said the corporation is seeking partnerships that would support railway modernisation, deployment of green technologies, renewable energy integration, digital rail systems, capacity building and innovative financing solutions.

According to him, sustainable transportation has become an economic and environmental necessity rather than a policy choice, stressing that investment in rail infrastructure would deliver lasting benefits for future generations.

He urged investors, technology providers, development finance institutions and strategic partners to collaborate with the NRC in transforming Nigeria’s railway network into a resilient, competitive and environmentally sustainable transportation system.

Such investments, he noted, would accelerate Nigeria’s rail decarbonisation journey, facilitate trade, strengthen regional integration and promote inclusive economic development.

Opeifa expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between Nigeria and the European Union would unlock new opportunities for sustainable infrastructure financing and technological advancement in the railway sector.

He also commended the European Union and organisers of the Nigeria–EU Business Forum for providing a platform to promote dialogue, partnerships and investments that support sustainable transportation across Nigeria.

The NRC managing director reiterated that with the right investments and strategic partnerships, Nigeria’s railway sector can become a major driver of economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability and national prosperity.

Opeifa Seeks EU Investment to Fast-track Nigeria’s Low-Carbon Rail Revolution

Railway

Warri-Itakpe Train Crash: Full Manifest Retrieved, FG, NRC Condole Families of Five Dead

Published

4 weeks ago

June 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Warri-Itakpe Train Crash: Full Manifest Retrieved, FG, NRC Condole Families of Five Dead

The Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) have said the full manifest of passengers and crew members aboard the ill-fated Warri–Itakpe train has been retrieved, even as they extended condolences to the families of the five persons who lost their lives in Monday’s accident near Agbor, Delta State.

In a joint update on the incident, the ministry and the NRC said efforts were ongoing to identify all injured passengers and deceased victims for proper documentation, while assuring that relevant authorities would have access to the complete onboard manifest.

The agencies confirmed that five persons — four adults and a baby — died when four coaches of the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) capsized and another derailed along the corridor. They added that 24 passengers sustained serious injuries, while several others suffered varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical treatment.

According to the statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, a total of 442 passengers had booked for the journey, while 40 crew members, security personnel and third-party service providers were on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.

The ministry said rescue and evacuation operations were immediately activated following the accident, with support from the Delta State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities and other emergency responders.

The rescue efforts, which were completed by 6:30 p.m., also received assistance from the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah.

The ministry and the NRC expressed their deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident.

They also commended the Delta State Government, emergency response agencies, security operatives, medical personnel, the NRC Mechanical Directorate and the corporation’s special rescue and emergency team for their swift intervention.

The statement added that a full investigation into the cause of the accident had commenced, assuring that authorities would continue to account for all passengers and provide necessary support to those affected by the tragedy.