NRC warns of looming train accidents amid rising track theft

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised fresh concerns over increasing cases of railway vandalism across parts of the country, warning that the continued destruction and theft of rail infrastructure could lead to deadly train accidents, major economic losses and disruption of transportation services.

Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the NRC, stated this in a series of public warnings issued over recent attacks on railway facilities in Bauchi and Plateau states.

According to Opeifa, the latest incident occurred along the railway corridor in Zango, Bauchi State, where vandals reportedly removed railway slippers on both sides of a level crossing between kilometre 878 and 889, leaving behind only disconnected rail components.

He described the act as a direct threat to national security, public safety and economic development.

“This criminal act is not just an attack on railway infrastructure, but a direct threat to national security, public safety, economic growth and human lives,” Opeifa stated.

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He warned that railway materials are critical national assets and not scrap metals for illegal trade.

“The removal of railway components can lead to devastating train accidents, loss of lives, disruption of transportation services and destruction of government investments worth billions of naira,” he added.

The NRC boss also disclosed another disturbing incident in Jos, Plateau State, where a truck allegedly loaded with vandalised railway materials reportedly got stuck between Kuru and Science School in Kuru area, exposing what he described as growing criminal activities targeting railway infrastructure.

Opeifa said the North Central and North East regions were increasingly witnessing coordinated attacks on rail facilities, warning that the trend could undermine national transportation infrastructure and economic activities.

He called on security agencies to intensify surveillance around railway corridors and ensure the arrest and prosecution of those involved in vandalism, illegal transportation and trading of railway materials.

“We strongly warn vandals, scrap dealers and all individuals involved in the illegal tampering, buying or transportation of railway materials to desist immediately,” he said.

The NRC also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and residents to support efforts aimed at protecting railway infrastructure across the country.

According to the corporation, protecting rail assets should be treated as a collective national responsibility because the facilities were built with public funds to support mobility, commerce and national development.

The warning comes amid growing investment and expansion efforts within Nigeria’s rail sector, with the corporation expressing concern that recurring vandalism could slow down ongoing modernisation projects and discourage private sector participation.

The NRC maintained that anyone caught vandalising railway tracks, slippers, fastenings or other rail assets should face the full weight of the law.