The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Engr. Freeborn Okhiria, has praised the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their diligent efforts in protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI). These efforts have led to the apprehension of numerous suspects involved in the vandalism of railway sleepers and other vital equipment.
Despite these commendable actions, Okhiria expressed concern over ongoing losses suffered by the NRC due to persistent acts of vandalism across the country. He highlighted this issue during a courtesy visit to the office of the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, in Abuja.
Okhiria voiced his worries about the increasing incidents of rail track vandalism, noting that despite several arrests, the number of perpetrators continues to rise. He called for a united front among stakeholders and security agencies to tackle what he described as an organized conspiracy aimed at economic sabotage. Okhiria stressed the need for a stronger synergy to bring both perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.
He assured the NSCDC of NRC’s continued support and collaboration, urging the public to provide actionable intelligence that could lead to further arrests. He emphasized the importance of securing government-provided infrastructure designed to meet public needs. Additionally, Okhiria pledged to leverage the NSCDC’s prosecutorial powers to ensure that apprehended suspects are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
In response, NSCDC Commandant General Dr. Ahmed Audi reported that over 20 trailers, along with numerous suspects, had been seized in connection with railway sleeper vandalism. Audi reiterated his commitment to intensifying efforts to curb such incidents but lamented the slow pace of prosecuting suspects.
Dr. Audi also mentioned that the NSCDC would strengthen its disciplinary measures and hold any personnel accountable for undermining the ongoing efforts. He appealed to the NRC for support in improving the welfare of the personnel deployed to protect these critical infrastructures.
