Troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna, apprehended 47 suspected rail track vandals during a routine patrol along Kakau Daji-Anguwan Ayaba. The suspects were intercepted while loading two trucks with stolen rail tracks. They claimed to be employed by one Alhaji Babawo, who remains at large.
At the 312 Artillery Regiment in Kaduna, Acting Commander of the 1 Division Provost Group, Lt. Col. I.Y. Rena, stated that the suspects were being profiled to determine their level of involvement. Each suspect was individually interviewed and cross-examined, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the gang leader.
Lt. Col. Rena disclosed that some of the stolen rail tracks were found concealed in a nearby bush, awaiting collection by the syndicate. The suspects were handed over to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Kaduna Station, represented by Divisional Crime Officer ASP Inuwa Dahiru. Lt. Col. Rena urged security agencies to enhance measures to protect the rail tracks from further vandalism.
ASP Dahiru praised the Nigerian Army for their proactive efforts and collaboration with other security agencies in addressing security challenges in the state. He assured that the 47 suspects would undergo thorough investigation before being charged to court, serving as a deterrent to other potential criminals.
Maj. Gen. M.L.D. Saraso, General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander of Operation Whirl Punch, commended the troops for their professional conduct. He urged them to remain resilient and focused to eliminate criminal elements within the Division’s operational area.
