The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised fresh concerns over coordinated attacks on railway infrastructure in Plateau and Bauchi States, warning that the growing wave of vandalism could disrupt train operations, endanger lives and threaten critical national assets.
The Corporation said the latest incidents, recorded along parts of the North Central and North East rail corridors, highlight an increasing pattern of sabotage capable of causing major train accidents and significant economic losses.
The Chief Public Relations Officer of the NRC, Callistus Unyimadu, disclosed that one of the incidents occurred on May 21, 2026, when a truck allegedly loaded with vandalised railway materials became trapped between Kuru and Science School in Plateau State.
According to a statement he issued, the incident exposed the activities of criminal networks allegedly involved in the illegal removal and transportation of railway infrastructure materials.
The Corporation further disclosed that along the Zango axis in Bauchi State, between Kilometer 878 and 889, vandals completely removed railway slippers on both sides of a level crossing, leaving only disconnected rail components behind.
The NRC warned that the destruction poses serious risks to railway operations and public safety, stressing that damaged tracks and missing components could result in derailments, disruption of train services and destruction of investments worth billions of naira.
Managing director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, condemned the attacks, describing them as acts of economic sabotage and threats to national development.
Opeifa said the increasing rate of vandalism along critical railway corridors requires urgent collaboration among security agencies, state governments, traditional institutions, host communities and residents living around rail lines.
He urged Nigerians to regard railway facilities as strategic national infrastructure developed with public resources to support transportation, trade and economic growth.
The NRC boss also warned vandals, scrap dealers and individuals involved in the illegal purchase or transportation of railway materials to desist immediately or face prosecution.
The corporation appealed to security agencies to intensify surveillance and enforcement across railway corridors nationwide and called on members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities around railway facilities.
