Vandalism threatens gains of rail modernisation, transport journalists warn

Vandalism threatens gains of rail modernisation, transport journalists warn

The Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN) has raised alarm over the increasing vandalisation of railway infrastructure nationwide, warning that the menace threatens to erode the multi-billion-naira investments made under the Federal Government’s railway modernisation projects.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Mr. Tola Adenubi, the association urged security agencies to intensify surveillance and clamp down on criminal networks behind the theft and destruction of railway assets.

Adenubi expressed concern that despite heavy investments in rail infrastructure, incidents of vandalism have continued to rise, citing a recent case in Kaduna where two suspects — Ibrahim Abdullahi, 22, and Sani Ibrahim, 24 — were arrested for stealing electrical and signalling equipment at the Rigasa Train Station.

READ ALSO:

• Mexico flooding death toll rises to 64, with dozens still missing
• Maryam Sanda’s release, worst injustice to us – Husband’s family
• Reno Omokri dismisses Ted Cruz’s ‘Christian genocide’ claim as misinformation

He commended the Railway Command of the Nigeria Police Force for the arrests but called for broader investigations into the buyers of stolen materials, particularly operators of metal smelting firms and foundries suspected of patronising vandals.

“As long as there is a market for stolen iron and rail parts, the onslaught against railway assets will persist,” Adenubi warned. “Security agencies must beam their searchlights on how these companies source their metals and prosecute those found culpable.”

He linked the recent Abuja-Kaduna train incident between Kubwa and Asham stations to sabotage caused by vandalised assets, stressing that such acts could jeopardise passenger safety and undermine government efforts to boost rail transport.

TCAN also lauded the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, for his prompt response to reported vandalisation cases across the country, while urging closer collaboration among security agencies, transport stakeholders, and host communities.

“The protection of railway infrastructure is a national responsibility,” Adenubi said. “If the trend is not urgently curbed, Nigeria risks rolling back the progress achieved in modernising its rail transport system.”

 

Vandalism threatens gains of rail modernisation, transport journalists warn