ABUJA, Nigeria
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has condemned the vandalism of its signaling equipment between the Agege and Agbado train stations in Lagos State, describing it as an act of economic sabotage and a serious offense under Nigerian law.
In a statement Wednesday, NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa said the incident involved the destruction of critical signaling cables and components used to control rail traffic and ensure passenger safety. Despite the damage, he assured that operations on the Lagos–Ibadan route have continued without interruption.
“This is a deliberate attack on public infrastructure,” Opeifa said. “Our engineers worked tirelessly to ensure that train movement was not disrupted. We are collaborating with security agencies to identify and prosecute those behind this criminal act.”
Legal Implications and Penalties
Opeifa emphasized that vandalism of railway equipment is a violation of Section 1(2)(b) and Section 5 of the Railway (Amendment) Act, 2022, which criminalizes tampering with or destruction of railway materials, tracks, or signaling systems.
Offenders face imprisonment of up to life, depending on the extent of the damage or the risk posed to human life.
He added that the act also contravenes Section 451 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, which penalizes malicious damage to public property, carrying a sentence of up to seven years in prison.
Government Reaction
Minister of Transportation Sa’id Alkali also condemned the vandalism, calling it “a senseless act that undermines national development.
“The rail system is a vital component of Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure and economy,” Alkali said. “Anyone who sabotages it is sabotaging the progress of our nation. The government will ensure that offenders face the full weight of the law.”
Background: A Growing Threat
In recent years, Nigeria’s expanding rail network has faced a surge in vandalism, theft, and attacks on infrastructure.
Incidents have been reported in the Kaduna–Abuja and Warri–Itakpe corridors, where newly installed rail lines, bolts, and cables were stolen or destroyed.
The NRC has repeatedly warned that such actions not only endanger lives but also drain public resources meant for the modernization of Nigeria’s transport system.
Public Appeal
The corporation urged communities along rail lines to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities, stressing that protecting national infrastructure is a shared responsibility among citizens, government, and security agencies.
The NRC will continue to invest in surveillance and work closely with the police and other security agencies to safeguard critical railway assets,” Opeifa added.
