Two suspects have been arrested in Kaduna for vandalising the electrical and signalling assets of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), while a third suspect remains at large.
The suspects – Ibrahim Abdullahi (22) of Hayi, Rigasa, and Sani Ibrahim (24) of Layi Turaki, Rigasa – were apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Police Railway Command attached to the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS).
Their arrest followed the discovery, on Friday, October 10, 2025, around 12:30 pm, that a cable wire had been cut and removed from one of NRC’s cranes stationed within the Rigasa facility.
According to the NRC, ‘Two suspects were recently arrested in Kaduna for vandalising our equipment at the Rigasa Train Station area.
Decrying the incessant cases of vandalism of its assets, the NRC, in a statement signed on Saturday by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, described the trend as a major threat to safe and efficient train operations.
‘The suspects – Ibrahim Abdullahi (22 years old) of Hayi, Rigasa, and Sani Ibrahim (24 years old) of Layi Turaki, Rigasa – were apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Police, Railway Command attached to the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS).
‘The arrest followed the discovery on Friday, 10th October 2025, at about 12:30 pm, that a cable wire had been cut and removed from one of NRC’s cranes stationed within the Rigasa facility.
‘Acting swiftly on intelligence, the patrol team led by ASP Abdullahi Bwajin, Administrative Officer at Rigasa, traced and arrested the suspects.
‘During interrogation, the duo confessed to committing the crime and disclosed that they sold the stolen cable to one Musa, popularly known as ‘Musa Major,’ for ?90,000.
‘Each suspect reportedly received ?30,000 as his share, while another member of their syndicate, Abdulwahab Yakubu of Rigasa, is currently at large.
‘Efforts are ongoing by the Nigeria Police, Railway Command (AKTS) to apprehend the remaining suspect and recover the stolen materials.
‘The NRC commends the Command for its professionalism and swift action, assuring that all culprits involved in acts of vandalism will face the full weight of the law.
‘The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, expressed deep concern over the increasing attacks on railway electrical and signalling infrastructure, describing them as Critical National Assets.
‘He stated that henceforth, the Corporation, in collaboration with security agencies, will treat such offences as economic sabotage with severe legal consequences for perpetrators.
‘Dr. Opeifa further appealed to members of the public, particularly residents of communities hosting railway facilities, to support the NRC and security agencies in protecting these assets.
‘He noted that the railway system has always served as a catalyst for community development and improved livelihoods, and safeguarding it remains a collective responsibility.’