Upsurge in Vandalisation of Rail Electrical and Signalling Equipment; worrisome to NRC ; Two Vandals arrested in Kaduna

By Afolabi Oyekunle.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has decried the increasing cases of vandalisation of its electrical and signalling installations across the country, describing the trend as a major threat to safe and efficient train operations.

According to a press release by Callistus Unyimadu, Chief Public Relations Officer

of the Corporation, two suspects were recently arrested in Kaduna for vandalising its equipment at the Rigasa Train Station area.

The suspects — Ibrahim Abdullahi (22 years old) of Hayi, Rigasa and Sani Ibrahim (24 years old) of Layi Turaki, Rigasa — were apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Police, Railway Command attached to the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS).

The arrest followed the discovery on Friday, 10th October 2025, at about 12:30 p.m., that a cable wire had been cut and removed from one of NRC’s cranes stationed within the Rigasa facility.

Acting swiftly on intelligence, the patrol team led by ASP Abdullahi Bwajin, Administrative Officer at Rigasa, traced and arrested the suspects.

During interrogation, the duo confessed to committing the crime and disclosed that they sold the stolen cable to one Musa, popularly known as “Musa Major,” for ₦90,000. Each suspect reportedly received ₦30,000 as his share, while another member of their syndicate, Abdulwahab Yakubu of Rigasa, is currently at large.

Efforts are ongoing by the Nigeria Police, Railway Command (AKTS) to apprehend the remaining suspect and recover the stolen materials.

The NRC commends the Command for its professionalism and swift action, assuring that all culprits involved in acts of vandalism will face the full weight of the law.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has expressed deep concern over the increasing attacks on railway electrical and signalling infrastructure, describing them as Critical National Assets.

He stated that henceforth, the Corporation, in collaboration with security agencies, will treat such offences as economic sabotage with severe legal consequences for perpetrators.

NRC MD Dr. Kayode Opeifa

Dr. Opeifa further appealed to members of the public, particularly residents of communities hosting railway facilities, to support the NRC and security agencies in protecting these assets.

He noted that the railway system has always served as a catalyst for community development and improved livelihoods, and safeguarding it remains a collective responsibility.

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