The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced plans to strengthen its partnership with the Nigeria Police Force to better protect railway tracks and other railway facilities across the country. The move is aimed at reducing vandalism, theft, and other criminal activities that threaten railway operations.
The Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola, at the State Police Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.
Dr. Opeifa said the Corporation remains committed to working closely with security agencies to safeguard railway infrastructure. His statement followed the successful recovery of stolen railway materials worth about ₦200 million and the arrest of three suspected vandals.
He explained that the suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation while allegedly transporting stolen railway materials from Niger State to Lagos. The recovered items, according to the NRC boss, are valued at approximately ₦200 million.
Dr. Opeifa praised the efforts of the Oyo State Police Command and the Nigeria Railway Police Command for their professionalism and quick action, which led to the successful operation. He described the arrests and recovery as a major victory in the fight against railway vandalism.
According to him, the achievement shows that cooperation between the NRC and security agencies is producing positive results. He added that protecting railway infrastructure is important for ensuring safe and reliable rail transportation across Nigeria.
The NRC Managing Director also stressed that anyone arrested for vandalising railway facilities would face full prosecution. He said the Corporation would ensure that all suspects are taken through the legal process to discourage others from engaging in similar crimes.
He further revealed that the NRC plans to deepen its collaboration not only with the Police but also with other security agencies, state governments, host communities, and relevant stakeholders. He noted that the combined efforts of these groups are necessary to effectively tackle vandalism, theft, and sabotage affecting railway services.
Dr. Opeifa also appealed to Nigerians to support the fight against railway vandalism by providing useful and timely information to security agencies whenever they notice suspicious activities around railway facilities.
He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Railway Corporation is committed to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable rail transportation while ensuring that railway infrastructure remains protected for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Responding during the visit, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola, called on the National Assembly to strengthen laws protecting critical national infrastructure. He said tougher penalties for vandals would help discourage attacks on public assets.
The Police Commissioner also warned criminals to stay away from Oyo State, assuring residents that the Command would continue to identify, arrest, and prosecute anyone involved in vandalising or stealing government property.
He confirmed that the three arrested suspects, along with the recovered railway materials, would be transferred to the Nigeria Railway Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
The renewed partnership between the NRC and the Nigeria Police Force is expected to improve the security of railway infrastructure and support the continued growth of rail transportation across the country.
