NRC, NSCDC Foil Railway Vandalism Attempt In Osogbo
Ayomide Tiwatayo, Lagos
The Nigerian Railway Corporation, in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, has foiled an attempt to vandalise railway infrastructure at a siding serving the Dangote Steel Rolling Mills in Osogbo, Osun State.
The incident occurred at a railway siding formerly used by the Osogbo Steel Rolling Mills, which is currently non-operational.
The NRC said its Principal Track Officer in Osogbo received a report on Friday, August 28, 2026, about the ongoing vandalisation of railway track materials at the location.
Acting on the report, the officer proceeded to the site alongside security personnel, including operatives of the NSCDC Railway Command.
According to the corporation, the suspected vandals fled after sighting the security team.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of nine oxygen gas cylinders allegedly being used by the suspects to cut and remove railway materials.
The NRC said the recovered materials and the surrounding area had since been secured by security personnel.
Reacting to the development, the NRC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Kayode Opeifa, commended the security operatives for their vigilance and prompt intervention.
Opeifa described the operation as another significant success in the corporation’s ongoing efforts to protect railway infrastructure from vandalism and activities capable of undermining the nation’s economy.
He directed security personnel to intensify surveillance and enforcement at the Dangote Steel Rolling Mills siding and other railway corridors across the country.
The NRC boss also called for stronger collaboration among security agencies to prevent the theft and destruction of railway assets.
He urged residents and communities located along railway corridors to promptly report suspicious activities around railway tracks, stations and other railway facilities.
Opeifa stressed that railway infrastructure remains a critical national asset, noting that its protection is essential to the safety of rail operations, sustainability of services and the country’s economic development.
He assured that the NRC would continue to support security agencies in efforts to curb vandalism and other activities that could disrupt railway operations nationwide.
