…Arrest two suspect in Kaduna
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of vandalisation of its electrical and signalling installations across the country, warning that the trend poses a major threat to safe and efficient train operations.
In a statement signed by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the Corporation confirmed the arrest of two suspects in Kaduna for vandalising railway equipment at the Rigasa Train Station area.
According to the statement, the suspects, Ibrahim Abdullahi, 22, of Hayi, Rigasa, and Sani Ibrahim, 24, of Layi Turaki, Rigasa, were apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Police, Railway Command attached to the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS).
The arrests followed the discovery on Friday, October 10, 2025, at about 12:30 p.m., that a cable wire had been cut and removed from one of the Corporation’s cranes stationed within the Rigasa facility.
Acting swiftly on intelligence, the patrol team led by ASP Abdullahi Bwajin, Administrative Officer at Rigasa, traced and arrested the suspects.
During interrogation, both suspects reportedly confessed to the crime and admitted selling the stolen cable to one Musa, popularly known as “Musa Major,” for ₦90,000. Each suspect received ₦30,000 as his share, while another member of the gang, identified as Abdulwahab Yakubu of Rigasa, remains at large.
The NRC disclosed that efforts are ongoing by the Railway Police Command to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover the stolen materials.
The Corporation commended the Command for its professionalism and swift response, assuring that all perpetrators of railway vandalism will be prosecuted in line with the law.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, described the repeated attacks on the Corporation’s infrastructure as an assault on critical national assets.
He warned that henceforth, such acts would be treated as economic sabotage with severe legal consequences.
Dr. Opeifa also appealed to members of the public, especially residents of communities hosting railway facilities, to collaborate with the NRC and security agencies in protecting these assets.
He emphasised that the railway system plays a vital role in national development and community growth, adding that safeguarding it is a collective responsibility.