IN a significant breakthrough against railway vandalism, Nigerian Railway Corporation authorities have apprehended 11 suspects linked to the recent sabotage of railway infrastructure in Katsina State, with additional arrests made in Niger State.
On 11th July 2025, eight individuals were arrested at Sheme village, Katsina, after they were caught attempting to steal steel sleepers from the railway track.
Prior to their capture, the vandals had loosened bolts and nuts from 310 steel sleepers between Kilometres 1087 and 1088, posing serious safety risks to rail operations.
The initial arrests began with three suspects handed over to the Faskari Local Government Area police division.
Continued investigations led to the detention of five more suspects, bringing the total in custody to eight.
These individuals, hailing from various parts of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Niger States, now face prosecution before the Federal High Court, which holds exclusive jurisdiction over such offences.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is also exploring legal action through the Civil Defence’s anti-vandalism unit.
Speaking on the arrests, NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, said,
“These arrests mark a crucial step in safeguarding Nigeria’s railway infrastructure.
“Such acts of vandalism not only endanger lives but threaten the backbone of our national economy. We will leave no stone unturned in bringing these criminals to justice.”
Meanwhile, in Sarkin Pawa, Niger State, police have made further strides in a related case. On 14th July, three suspects were arrested for stealing over 1,200 pandrol clips, critical components for rail tracks.
Only 15 clips have been recovered so far. Subsequent raids in Suleja led to three more arrests, including the suspected buyer of the stolen parts.
Investigations revealed a network involving the transfer of stolen materials, with security forces actively pursuing all collaborators.
A police spokesperson confirmed, “Our efforts continue to dismantle these criminal networks that threaten critical national infrastructure. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities along the railway lines.”
The four suspects from Minna were remanded by the court on 22nd July for seven days to facilitate the recovery of stolen materials.
The NRC has strongly condemned these acts of vandalism. Unyimadu added, “We commend the swift action of our personnel, security operatives, and local communities who helped secure these arrests.
“Protecting the railway is a shared responsibility, and we call on all Nigerians to join us in this fight.”
The names of the Katsina vandals include Adam Idris (25) of Zaria, Kaduna State; Mustapha Sulaiman (32) also from Zaria; Mamuda Muhammad (30) of Katsina State; Dayyabu Ali (44) from Kano State; Zakari Muhammad (53) of Kaduna State; Gambo Isah (33) from Kachia, Kaduna; Ismail Muhammad (40) from Kontagora, Niger State; and Abdulmajid Idris (23) from Kaduna State.
Those arrested from Minna, Niger State were Ibrahim Abdullahi, Umar Isah and Maharazu Haladu.
The NRC has vowed to bring all offenders to justice and ensure the protection of Nigeria’s vital railway infrastructure.
