NSCDC seals Chinese-linked steel companies over alleged multi-billion naira railway theft

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has sealed all branches of Inner Galaxy Steel Company and Jiuxing Integrity Industrial Ltd across the country following the uncovering of what it described as a sophisticated syndicate involved in the vandalism of critical national infrastructure.

The NSCDC said the operation followed the securing of comprehensive court orders authorising the closure of the firms’ facilities nationwide as part of an intensified crackdown on economic sabotage, infrastructure theft, and alleged terrorism financing.

In a statement issued on Monday by Afolabi Babawale, NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, the corps disclosed that suspects linked to the syndicate were being investigated for multiple offences bordering on conspiracy, theft, destruction of railway infrastructure, concealment of stolen property, and alleged support for terrorist activities.

According to the statement, the suspects are facing allegations including conspiracy to commit felony and theft, intentional endangerment of railway passengers, obstruction and destruction of railway infrastructure, failure to provide information to public officers, and dishonestly receiving stolen property.

The corps further alleged that members of the syndicate provided support and financing to terrorist groups for the commission of acts of terrorism.

The NSCDC explained that operatives attached to the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad, armed with valid search warrants and court orders, stormed a facility located in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

During the operation, railway sleepers and tracks allegedly recovered from the premises were secured and handed over to the Nigerian Railway Corporation for preservation as exhibits for prosecution.

Investigators said preliminary findings and confessional statements obtained from arrested workers exposed an organised logistics network allegedly dedicated to transporting vandalised public infrastructure to various company locations for recycling.

According to the corps, the recovered railway materials were allegedly transported to the company’s headquarters in Aba, Abia State, and other branches where they were melted and converted into commercial products such as roofing sheets and nails.

Following the discoveries, the NSCDC extended the closure and investigation orders to the company’s headquarters located at Ahala Ukwa Village, Umuahala Community, Obuzor Ukwu, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.

The order also affected the company’s northern hub located in Tasha Rawayyah, Gusau, Zamfara State, alongside all subsidiaries and branches nationwide.

The corps revealed that Chinese nationals linked to the management of the industrial facilities had been formally invited for questioning but had yet to honour the summons.

Ahmed Audi, Commandant General of the NSCDC, directed operatives handling the investigation to maintain professionalism and diligence throughout the operation.

He warned that any individual found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“Every single suspect found culpable in this bleeding of our nation’s commonwealth will face the full wrath of the law. The NSCDC remains fiercely committed to reducing infrastructure vandalism to the absolute minimum,” he said.

The corps also commended the judiciary for granting the legal instruments used in the operation, noting that the orders helped to secure critical evidence and prevent interference with investigations.

The NSCDC further appreciated members of the media for supporting efforts aimed at exposing economic crimes and promoting public accountability.

It urged Nigerians to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies to aid the fight against infrastructure vandalism and related crimes.