NRC Condemns Rail Vandalism In Plateau And Bauchi, Calls It Sabotage As Lagos–Ibadan Sallah Operations Are Boosted

NRC Condemns Rail Vandalism in Plateau and Bauchi, Calls It Sabotage as Lagos–Ibadan Sallah Operations Are Boosted The Nigerian Railway Corporation NRC has condemned renewed acts of vandalism targeting railway infrastructure in Plateau and Bauchi States, describing the incidents as deliberate acts of sabotage against national assets. The Corporation also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining uninterrupted rail services nationwide, announcing enhanced operations on the Lagos–Ibadan corridor to support increased passenger movement during the Sallah holiday period. According to the NRC, recent attacks on rail infrastructure involved the destruction and theft of critical components along sections of the rail network in Plateau and Bauchi. The agency warned that such acts not only endanger passenger safety but also undermine the federal government’s significant investments in rail modernisation and transport infrastructure. Officials described the situation as “economic sabotage,” stressing that repeated vandalism could derail efforts to improve connectivity across the country’s rail corridors. The Corporation noted that the incidents were part of a worrying pattern of attacks on railway assets in different parts of the country, particularly in the northern rail corridors. It called for stronger collaboration with security agencies, local communities, and vigilante groups to protect critical national infrastructure from further damage. The NRC also reaffirmed that perpetrators and buyers of stolen railway materials would face prosecution under existing laws. Despite the security concerns, the NRC assured passengers of improved service delivery during the festive period, particularly on the busy Lagos–Ibadan standard gauge line. The Corporation said additional train schedules and operational adjustments had been introduced to accommodate the expected surge in passenger demand during Sallah travel. Officials added that safety, punctuality, and passenger comfort remain top priorities as part of efforts to sustain confidence in rail transportation. The NRC urged Nigerians living along railway corridors to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around rail lines. It also encouraged community participation in safeguarding railway infrastructure, noting that protection of national assets is a shared responsibility Nigeria’s rail network has in recent years faced recurring challenges, including vandalism, theft of track materials, and occasional security threats along key corridors such as Lagos–Ibadan, Abuja–Kaduna, and other intercity routes. The NRC said addressing these challenges requires sustained enforcement, intelligence sharing, and stronger deterrent measures.