By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has foiled an attempt to vandalise railway track materials at the siding serving the Dangote Steel Rolling Mills in Osogbo, Osun State.
The NRC described the operation as another major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to protect critical railway infrastructure from vandals and other economic saboteurs.
According to the Corporation, the Principal Track Officer (PTO), Osogbo, received a report on Friday, August 28, 2026, regarding the illegal vandalisation of railway track materials at the siding, which is currently not in operation.
Following the report, security personnel were mobilised to the location. On sighting the operatives, the suspected vandals reportedly fled the scene.
A search of the area led to the recovery of nine oxygen gas cylinders believed to have been brought to the site for the illegal operation. Officers of the NSCDC Railway Command subsequently secured the recovered materials and the surrounding area.
Commenting on the incident, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, commended the security personnel for their vigilance and swift response.
He urged security formations across the railway network to intensify surveillance and enforcement efforts to curb vandalism and theft of railway assets nationwide.
Dr. Opeifa also called on communities living along railway corridors to support the campaign against vandalism by promptly reporting suspicious activities around railway tracks, stations and other railway facilities.
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The NRC boss reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with relevant security agencies to safeguard railway infrastructure and ensure the prosecution of those involved in acts capable of undermining rail operations.
He stressed that railway infrastructure remains a critical national asset whose protection is essential to the safety of rail services, the sustainability of operations and the country’s economic development.
Dr. Opeifa assured that the Corporation would continue to provide the necessary support to security agencies in the collective effort to eliminate vandalism and other threats to railway infrastructure across the country.
