NRC, Police Intensify Crackdown on Railway Vandals as Opeifa Pushes for Tougher Asset Protection

NRC, Police Intensify Crackdown on Railway Vandals as Opeifa Pushes for Tougher Asset Protection

 

Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has vowed to strengthen the Corporation’s partnership with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to combat vandalism and safeguard Nigeria’s railway infrastructure, following the recent arrest of three suspected railway vandals and the recovery of stolen materials valued at about ₦200 million.

Opeifa made the pledge on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola, at the Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.

He described the nation’s railway infrastructure as a strategic national asset that must be protected from criminal activities capable of disrupting rail operations and undermining the Federal Government’s investments in the sector.

Accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Railway Police Command, CP Lasisi Titilola, Opeifa said the NRC would continue to work closely with security agencies to ensure that all suspects arrested for vandalising railway facilities are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

The NRC boss praised the Oyo State Police Command and the Nigeria Railway Police Command for their professionalism, vigilance and swift response, which led to the arrest of the three suspects during an intelligence-led operation.

The suspects were intercepted while allegedly transporting vandalised railway materials from Niger State to Lagos, with the recovered items estimated to be worth about ₦200 million.

Describing the operation as a significant breakthrough in the fight against railway vandalism, Opeifa said the success underscored the value of sustained collaboration between the Corporation and security agencies in protecting critical public infrastructure.

He reaffirmed the Corporation’s resolve to deepen cooperation with the police, other security agencies, state governments, host communities and relevant stakeholders to curb vandalism, theft and sabotage across the country’s railway network.

Opeifa also appealed to members of the public to support the campaign against railway vandalism by providing credible and timely information that could help security agencies prevent attacks on railway facilities.

“The Nigerian Railway Corporation remains committed to delivering safe, reliable and sustainable rail transportation while working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to protect the nation’s railway infrastructure,” he said.

Responding, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola, called on the National Assembly to review existing laws on vandalism of critical national infrastructure by prescribing stiffer penalties for offenders.

He warned vandals and other criminal elements to stay away from Oyo State, assuring that the Command would continue to track, arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the destruction or theft of public infrastructure.

Abimbola added that the three suspects and the recovered railway materials would be handed over to the Nigeria Railway Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

The renewed security collaboration comes as the NRC intensifies efforts to protect rail infrastructure amid ongoing investments by the Federal Government to modernise Nigeria’s railway network and improve the safety and reliability of rail transport nationwide.