By Abiodun Folarin
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has expressed concern over the rising cases of vandalism of railway infrastructure in parts of northern Nigeria, warning that the destruction poses serious risks to passenger safety, railway operations and national economic development.
The Corporation said recent coordinated attacks on railway facilities in Plateau and Bauchi states represent a direct threat to critical national infrastructure and could undermine public safety, economic activities and national security.
According to the NRC, one of the latest incidents occurred on May 21, 2026, when a truck allegedly loaded with vandalized railway materials got stuck between Kuru and Science School in Kuru, Plateau State, exposing what it described as the activities of criminal elements involved in the illegal removal and transportation of railway assets.
The Corporation also disclosed that along the Zango axis in Bauchi State, between Kilometer 878 and 889, railway slippers were completely removed on both sides of a level crossing, leaving only a few disconnected rail tracks behind.
It warned that such acts of sabotage could lead to 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 signalling materials are strategic national assets funded with public resources to support transportation, trade and economic growth, noting that they should not be treated as scrap materials for illegal business activities.
Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, condemned the persistent attacks on railway infrastructure, describing the trend as a sabotage of national progress and a grave threat to the safety of passengers and railway workers.
Opeifa noted that the increasing incidents of vandalism across the North Central and North East corridors indicate a dangerous pattern that requires urgent collaboration among security agencies, state governments, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents living along railway lines.
He appealed to Nigerians to regard railway infrastructure as a symbol of national development and an important economic asset that must be protected at all times.
The NRC boss also warned vandals, scrap dealers and individuals involved in the illegal purchase, movement or destruction of railway materials to desist immediately, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
The Corporation further called on security agencies to strengthen 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.
