NRC MD commends police for recovering rail assets

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to protect railway assets, describing the nation’s railway infrastructure as critical national assets that must be safeguarded against vandalism.

Dr. Opeifa made this known on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola, at the Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.

The NRC Managing Director, who was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Railway Police Command, CP Lasisi Titilola, said the Corporation would continue to work closely with security agencies to ensure that all suspects arrested for vandalising railway facilities are diligently prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

He commended the Oyo State Police Command and the Nigeria Railway Police Command for their professionalism, vigilance and prompt 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 apprehended during an intelligence-led operation while allegedly transporting vandalised railway materials from Niger State to Lagos.

Describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against railway vandalism, Dr. Opeifa said it demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained collaboration between the Corporation and security agencies in protecting public assets and preserving railway infrastructure.

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He reiterated the Corporation’s determination to deepen cooperation with the police, other security agencies, state governments, host communities and relevant stakeholders to eliminate acts of vandalism, theft and sabotage capable of undermining railway operations across the country.

The NRC Managing Director also appealed to members of the public to support ongoing efforts by providing credible and timely information that would assist security agencies in preventing criminal activities targeting railway facilities.

“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,” Dr. Opeifa said.

Responding, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola, called on the National Assembly to strengthen existing laws on vandalism of critical national infrastructure by prescribing stiffer penalties for offenders.

He warned vandals and other criminal elements to steer clear of Oyo State, assuring that the Command would continue to pursue, arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the destruction or theft of public infrastructure.

The Commissioner 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.