The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised alarm over the escalating rate of vandalism and theft of its infrastructure nationwide, with its Managing Director, Freeborn Okhirie, decrying the trend as an "organised conspiracy to commit economic sabotage".
Okhirie made this assertion during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) headquarters in Abuja, where he commended the corps for its tireless efforts in protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).
Despite the NSCDC's efforts, resulting in the arrest of numerous railway sleepers' thieves, Okhirie lamented that the NRC continues to suffer losses due to the vandalism of its installations across the country.
"The vandalism of rail tracks persists, with the number of perpetrators increasing, despite multiple arrests," he lamented. Okhirie emphasized the need for a collaborative effort among critical stakeholders and security agencies to bring perpetrators and sponsors of such vandalism to justice.
He urged Nigerians to provide vital information that would lead to the arrest of suspects, ensuring the security of infrastructure meant to serve the public. Responding, NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi revealed that the corps had impounded over 20 trailers conveying vandalised railway sleepers and arrested numerous suspects in connection with the crime.
Audi expressed the corps' readiness to intensify efforts to curb the vandalism, while lamenting the slow pace of prosecution. He pledged to strengthen disciplinary measures and sanction any personnel found sabotaging the concerted effort. Audi also solicited the NRC's support in catering for the welfare of personnel deployed to protect railway infrastructure.