Nigerian Railway MD Raises Alarm Over Rising Vandalism
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised concerns about the increasing vandalism and theft of its infrastructure nationwide. Managing Director Freeborn Okhirie voiced these concerns during a visit to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) headquarters in Abuja.
Okhirie commended the NSCDC’s dedication to safeguarding Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), which has resulted in the arrest of several individuals involved in the theft of railway sleepers. Despite these efforts, the NRC continues to suffer significant losses due to the ongoing vandalism of rail tracks across the country.
“Rail tracks are still being vandalized, and the number of perpetrators is growing despite numerous arrests,” Okhirie stated, describing the situation as “an organized conspiracy to commit economic sabotage.” He called for increased cooperation among key stakeholders and security agencies to hold vandals and their sponsors accountable.
He also urged the public to provide information that could help apprehend those responsible, emphasizing that protecting infrastructure is vital to ensuring public services remain operational.
NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi revealed that over 20 trailers transporting stolen railway sleepers had been impounded, with many suspects arrested. He pledged the Corps’ commitment to intensifying efforts against the crime but highlighted challenges in prosecuting offenders.
Audi also stressed the need for better welfare for personnel assigned to protect railway infrastructure, asking for NRC’s support in this area.
