The Nigerian Railway Corporation has arraigned a suspected railway vandal in Lagos as part of efforts to curb attacks on the nation’s rail infrastructure.
The suspect, 32-year-old Bashiru Hafeez, was arrested by security personnel from Multi Eye Security Services during a routine patrol at the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station in Ebute-Metta.
According to the corporation, Hafeez was found with 15 pandrol clips, iron fasteners used to secure railway tracks, which were believed to have been illegally removed from the narrow gauge rail line in the Alagomeji area.
Rail officials explained that removing such components poses serious safety threats and could lead to train derailments.
Following his arrest, the suspect was handed over to the Nigerian Railway Police Command for investigation and prosecution.
He was later arraigned before a Lagos court and remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, with the case adjourned to April 24, 2026, for further hearing.
The Managing Director of the corporation, Kayode Opeifa, condemned the act and reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance stance against railway vandalism.
He described such actions as economic sabotage that threaten lives and damage critical national infrastructure.
“Anyone found culpable in vandalizing railway infrastructure or trading in stolen railway assets will face the full weight of the law,” Opeifa warned.
He commended the security personnel involved in the arrest and assured that the corporation would continue working with security agencies to track down and prosecute individuals engaged in vandalism or the illegal trade of railway materials.
The corporation also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around railway corridors, stressing that the rail network plays a strategic role in Nigeria’s economic development.
Opeifa further assured passengers and stakeholders of the corporation’s commitment to maintaining safe, secure and efficient rail services across the country.
