The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised serious concern over a renewed wave of coordinated attacks on railway infrastructure across parts of the country, following fresh incidents recorded in Plateau and Bauchi States.
The Corporation in a statement signed by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, described the disturbing trend as a direct assault on critical national infrastructure and a grave threat to public safety, economic growth, and national security.
In one of the latest incidents 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 operations of criminal networks engaged in the destruction and illegal transport of railway assets.
Similarly, along Zango in Bauchi State, between Kilometer 878 and 889, railway sleepers were completely removed on both sides of a level crossing, leaving behind only disjointed rail fragments. The NRC warned that such acts significantly heighten the risk of catastrophic train accidents, service disruptions, potential loss of lives, and the destruction of government investments worth billions of naira.
The statement emphasised that railway components – including tracks, sleepers, clips, fastenings, and signaling systems are vital national assets funded by taxpayers to support transportation, trade, and economic development, and must not be reduced to commodities for illegal scrap trade.
According to the statement, the Managing Director/CEO of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, strongly condemned the persistent vandalism, describing it as outright sabotage and a serious threat to the safety of passengers and railway personnel.
He noted that the rising incidents across the North Central and North East corridors point to an alarming pattern that demands urgent and coordinated action from security agencies, state governments, traditional institutions, community leaders, and residents along railway routes.
Opeifa urged Nigerians to recognise railway infrastructure as a symbol of national unity and a strategic economic asset that must be safeguarded at all times. He warned vandals, scrap dealers, and those involved in the illegal trade or destruction of railway materials to desist immediately or face the full weight of the law.
The Corporation also called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and enforcement along railway corridors nationwide, while appealing to the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities around railway facilities.