NSCDC Cracks Down on Railway Vandalism, Arrests Two Suspects in Bauchi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Bauchi State Command, has intensified its clampdown on infrastructure vandalism with the arrest of two suspected railway vandals and the recovery of 80 stolen railway sleepers in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects were arrested during a coordinated operation carried out by NSCDC operatives following credible intelligence on the movement of vandalised railway materials within the area. Security personnel reportedly intercepted a white Peugeot J5 bus with registration number KTG 40 XF conveying the stolen railway sleepers alongside four bags of charcoal suspected to have been used to conceal the illegal items.

Speaking on the development, the spokesperson of the Bauchi State NSCDC Command, SC Saminu Yusuf, said the operation was part of the corps’ renewed efforts to combat economic sabotage and protect critical national infrastructure from criminal elements.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in the illegal dismantling and transportation of railway components meant for public infrastructure projects. He noted that the recovered sleepers are valuable government assets critical to the nation’s railway transportation system.

The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Oloyede Oyerinde, commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and swift response, stressing that the command remains committed to protecting public infrastructure across Bauchi State.

He warned vandals, scrap dealers, and other criminal networks involved in the destruction and illegal sale of government property to desist or face the full wrath of the law.

“The NSCDC will not relent in its mandate of safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure. We are determined to track down all those sabotaging government facilities for personal gain,” the commandant stated.

Oyerinde further called on residents to collaborate with security agencies by providing timely and useful information capable of preventing acts of vandalism and economic sabotage in their communities.

Railway vandalism has remained a growing concern in several parts of the country, with security agencies repeatedly warning that the destruction and theft of rail materials threaten public safety, disrupt transportation projects, and cause huge economic losses to the government.

The NSCDC said investigations into the Bauchi incident are ongoing and assured that the suspects would be prosecuted accordingly upon conclusion of the investigation.