Railway: NRC talks tough, raises fresh alarm over vandalism in Plateau, Bauchi

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, has raised fresh alarm over renewed and coordinated attacks on railway infrastructure in parts of the country.

This followed fresh incidents of vandalism recorded in Plateau and Bauchi States.

The Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, through the Chief Public Relations Officer, NRC, Mr Callistus Unyimadu, described the disturbing development as a direct attack on critical national infrastructure, and an affront on public safety, economic growth and national security.

In one of the latest incidents recorded on May 21, 2026, a truck reportedly loaded with vandalized railway materials became stuck between Kuru and Science School, Kuru in Plateau State, exposing the dangerous activities of criminal elements involved in the destruction and illegal movement of railway materials.

Similarly, along Zango, in Bauchi State, between Kilometer 878 and 889, railway slippers were completely removed on both sides of a level crossing, leaving behind few disjointed rail pieces.

The corporation, therefore, warned that such acts could result in catastrophic train accidents, disruption of rail services, loss of lives and destruction of government investments worth billions of naira.

The NRC stressed that railway tracks, slippers, clips, fastenings and signaling materials are critical national assets built with taxpayers’ money to facilitate transportation, trade, economic activities and national development, and should never be treated as scraps for illegal business.

The Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, strongly condemned the persistent attacks on railway facilities, describing the trend as sabotage against national progress and a serious threat to the safety of passengers and railway personnel.

According to him, the increasing incidents of vandalism in the North Central and North East corridors indicate a dangerous pattern that requires urgent collective action from security agencies, state governments, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents living along railway lines.

Opeifa appealed to Nigerians to see railway infrastructure as a national symbol and strategic economic asset that must be protected at all times.

He warned vandals, scrap dealers and individuals involved in the illegal purchase, movement or destruction of railway materials to desist immediately, stressing that anyone caught would face the full weight of the law.

Opeifa, also called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations around railway corridors nationwide, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around railway facilities

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