The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has vowed to intensify collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to protect the nation’s railway infrastructure, declaring that vandals of rail assets will face diligent prosecution.
Opeifa gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola, at the Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.
Accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Railway Police Command, CP Lasisi Titilola, the NRC boss described the country’s railway infrastructure as a critical national asset that must be protected from vandalism, theft and sabotage.
He said the Corporation would continue working closely with security agencies to ensure that all suspects arrested for vandalising railway facilities are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to serve as a strong deterrent to others.
Opeifa commended the Oyo State Police Command and the Nigeria Railway Police Command for their professionalism and swift response, which recently led to the arrest of three suspected railway vandals and the recovery of stolen railway materials valued at about ₦200 million.
The suspects were intercepted during an intelligence-led operation while allegedly transporting the vandalised railway materials from Niger State to Lagos.
Describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against railway vandalism, Opeifa said it underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the NRC and security agencies in safeguarding public assets and preserving the country’s rail infrastructure.
He reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the Police, other security agencies, state governments, host communities and relevant stakeholders to stamp out criminal activities capable of disrupting railway operations nationwide.
The NRC Managing Director also appealed to Nigerians to support efforts to secure railway infrastructure by providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation remains committed to delivering safe, reliable and sustainable rail transportation while working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to protect the nation’s railway infrastructure”, he said.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola, called on the National Assembly to strengthen existing laws protecting critical national infrastructure by prescribing stiffer penalties for vandals.
He warned criminals to stay away from Oyo State, assuring that the Command would continue to track, arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the destruction or theft of public infrastructure.
Abimbola added that the three suspects arrested alongside the recovered railway materials would be handed over to the Nigeria Railway Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.