The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), working with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has foiled an alleged attempt to vandalise railway track materials at the siding serving Dangote Steel Rolling Mills in Osogbo, Osun State.
The incident came to light on Friday, August 28, after the NRC’s Principal Track Officer in Osogbo received information about suspected ongoing vandalisation of railway materials at the site, which is currently not operational. The officer immediately moved to the location with security personnel, including members of the NSCDC Railway Command.
According to the NRC, the suspected vandals fled after sighting the security operatives. A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of nine oxygen gas cylinders reportedly brought to the location for use in the illegal operation.
The affected railway materials and surrounding area have since been secured by security personnel to prevent further attempts to damage or remove railway assets.
NRC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Kayode Opeifa, commended the security personnel for their vigilance and prompt response. He described the intervention as another success in the corporation’s ongoing efforts to protect railway infrastructure from vandals and other economic saboteurs.
Opeifa directed security formations operating along the railway network to strengthen surveillance and enforcement against the vandalisation and theft of railway assets.
He stressed that railway infrastructure remains a critical national asset whose protection is important to the safety of rail operations, the sustainability of railway services and Nigeria’s economic development.
The NRC boss also urged communities located along railway corridors to support efforts to protect railway infrastructure by promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities around railway tracks, stations and other railway facilities.
Security operatives have been directed to intensify efforts to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the attempted vandalisation at the Dangote Steel Rolling Mills siding.
The latest incident highlights the continued security challenges facing Nigeria’s railway infrastructure, with vandalism and theft capable of disrupting operations, damaging valuable public assets and creating safety risks for railway users.
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