The Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN) has urged security agencies across the country to intensify efforts in securing railway infrastructure from incessant acts of vandalism.
In a statement issued over the weekend by its Chairman, Mr. Tola Adenubi, TCAN expressed concern that unchecked vandalisation of railway assets is gradually eroding the progress made under the Federal Government’s Railway Modernisation Projects in recent years.
The association, however, commended officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Railway Command for promptly apprehending two suspects — Ibrahim Abdullahi (22) of Hayi, Rigasa, and Sani Ibrahim (24) of Layi Turaki, Rigasa — who were recently arrested in Kaduna for vandalising and selling railway electrical and signalling equipment near the Rigasa Train Station.
Decrying the rising cases of vandalism, TCAN called for the prosecution of buyers of stolen railway materials, including metal smelting companies and foundries, for aiding and abetting the crime.
“As long as there is a ready market for stolen iron materials, the onslaught against railway infrastructure will persist,” Mr. Adenubi said.
“It is high time security agencies beam their searchlight on the activities of metal smelting companies and foundries — particularly how they source iron metals.”
He added that the continuous vandalisation of railway assets has slowed down the country’s rail infrastructure development, noting that the recent accident involving the Abuja–Kaduna passenger train between Kubwa and Asham stations was partly linked to the vandalisation of railway components.
TCAN therefore called on security agencies to increase daily patrols and surveillance along railway corridors nationwide to prevent further sabotage of public infrastructure.
The association also commended the Dr. Kayode Opeifa-led management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for its prompt response to reported cases of vandalism across the network.
“While we appreciate the proactive measures taken by the NRC under Dr. Opeifa’s leadership, we urge all stakeholders to work collectively to end the menace of railway vandalisation in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
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