The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a large-scale criminal network involved in the theft, concealment, and recycling of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), following the sealing of a steel facility in Kaduna State allegedly used as a front for the illegal trade.
In a statement National Public Relations Officer Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Assistant Commandant of Corps Afolabi Babawale said acting on intelligence and a viral video showing extensive vandalisation of newly laid Kaduna–Kano rail tracks and existing rail infrastructure, the Commandant General ordered the deployment of the Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) alongside the Kaduna State Command to track and apprehend those responsible.
On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, operatives of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad, led by Commandant Apollos Dandaura in collaboration with the Kaduna State Command, conducted a coordinated operation at Birnin Yero in Igabi Local Government Area, where the Kaduna branch of Inner Galaxy Steel Company was sealed.
The operation, which followed weeks of surveillance, reportedly uncovered that the facility was operating as a covert hub for receiving stolen railway materials, NNPC pipelines, and Water Board infrastructure under the guise of scrap metal trading.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate allegedly purchased vandalised rail tracks and pipes from criminals, processed them into scrap form at the Kaduna facility to conceal their origin, and transported them to its head office in Aba, Abia State. The materials were then allegedly melted and recycled into iron rods and nails for commercial distribution.
Twelve suspects were arrested during the raid, while large quantities of exhibits—including vandalised rail tracks, rail slippers, and suspected pipelines belonging to NNPC and water authorities—were recovered. The seized items are valued at several billions of naira.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, commended the operatives for what he described as a professionally executed operation, reaffirming the Corps’ resolve to intensify the fight against economic sabotage.
“It is unacceptable that legitimate business fronts are being used to facilitate the destruction of critical national infrastructure,” he said, adding that all individuals connected to the network would be traced and prosecuted.
The sealed facility remains under investigation, while the arrested suspects are expected to be charged to court upon completion of inquiries.
