NRC and NSCDC Stop Railway Vandalism in Osun, Seize Nine Cylinders

The Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have stopped an attempt to damage railway materials at the siding for Dangote Steel Rolling Mills in Osogbo, Osun State. They found nine oxygen gas cylinders believed to be brought for this illegal act.

In a statement released on Sunday, Callistus Unyimadu, the NRC Chief Public Relations Officer, said the Principal Track Officer in Osogbo got a report on Friday, August 28, about the ongoing vandalism. He quickly went to the site with security personnel.

The statement said, "On seeing the security operatives, the suspected vandals ran away from the scene."

It also mentioned, "A search of the area led to the recovery of nine oxygen gas cylinders reportedly brought to the site for the illegal operation."

The NRC said that security personnel, including officers from the NSCDC Railway Command, have secured the railway materials and the area.

The NRC Managing Director and CEO, Kayode Opeifa, reacted to the incident. He called the intervention "another significant success in the ongoing efforts to protect railway infrastructure from vandals and other economic saboteurs."

Opeifa praised the security personnel for their alertness and quick action. He urged security teams along the railway network to step up monitoring and enforcement against vandalism and theft of railway assets.

He pointed out that "railway infrastructure is a critical national asset. Protecting it is essential for the safety of rail operations, the sustainability of services, and the economic growth of the country."

Opeifa also asked community members living near railway lines to help fight against vandalism. He encouraged them to report any suspicious activities around railway tracks, stations, and other railway facilities.

He instructed security operatives to work harder in identifying, catching, and prosecuting those behind the attempted vandalism at the Dangote Steel Rolling Mills siding.

Opeifa assured that the NRC would keep supporting security agencies in their efforts to stop vandalism and other actions that threaten railway operations across Nigeria.