The Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN) has called on security agencies across the country to take urgent and decisive measures to safeguard railway infrastructure from persistent vandalism, warning that the menace is gradually eroding the gains achieved under the Federal Government’s Railway Modernisation Projects.
In a statement issued over the weekend by its Chairman, Mr. Tola Adenubi, TCAN expressed deep concern over the increasing rate of theft and destruction of critical railway assets, including electrical and signalling equipment. The association noted that the trend poses a major threat to the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of rail transportation in Nigeria.
While commending the officers and men of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Railway Command, for their recent swift action in arresting two vandals — Ibrahim Abdullahi, 22, and Sani Ibrahim, 24, both residents of Rigasa, Kaduna — the association stressed that such arrests should become more consistent and widespread to serve as a deterrent to others. The duo were reportedly caught vandalising and selling railway electrical and signalling equipment near the Rigasa Train Station area.
Mr. Adenubi lamented that unchecked vandalisation continues to undermine years of investment and effort channeled into developing the country’s rail network. According to him, the growing market for stolen railway components, particularly among metal smelting companies and foundries, has fueled the criminal trade.
“As long as there is a market for stolen iron metals, the onslaught against railway assets by vandals will persist,” Adenubi warned. “It is high time security agencies beam their searchlight on the activities of metal smelting companies and foundries. How they source for iron metals should be thoroughly investigated.”
He emphasized that vandalism of critical infrastructure not only causes financial losses but also endangers the lives of passengers and staff. Adenubi cited the recent Abuja-Kaduna passenger train accident between Kubwa and Asham stations, attributing part of its cause to the vandalisation of railway assets.
“The continuous destruction of railway infrastructure is dragging back the progress made in rail development across the country. Our security agencies must intensify daily patrols and surveillance of railway corridors to prevent future acts of sabotage that could derail the government’s efforts,” he added.
The TCAN chairman also commended the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) under Dr. Kayode Opeifa for what he described as a prompt and proactive response to incidents of vandalism reported nationwide. However, he maintained that the scale of the problem demands a collaborative and multi-agency approach involving not just the police but also local communities, traditional institutions, and the private sector.
“While we commend the Dr. Kayode Opeifa-led NRC management for its swift response to vandalisation cases, we urge all hands to be on deck in the collective fight to protect railway infrastructure. Protecting these assets is not only the duty of the government but a national responsibility,” the statement concluded.
TCAN’s call comes amid growing concerns among stakeholders that without stronger protection mechanisms and strict prosecution of offenders, the billions of naira invested in the nation’s modern rail system may continue to be at risk from vandals and scrap metal dealers operating with impunity.
