NSCDC Seals Steel Firm Over Alleged Recycling Of Vandalised Railway Assets
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps) has sealed facilities belonging to Inner Galaxy Steel nationwide over alleged involvement in the vandalism and recycling of railway infrastructure and other critical national assets.
The Corps said the action followed a court order obtained after the arrest of suspects and recovery of vandalised railway materials allegedly traced to the company’s premises in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Addressing journalists during a briefing on Sunday at the facility, the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, said the suspects were being investigated for conspiracy to commit felony, intentional endangering of railway passengers, obstruction and destruction of railway infrastructure, theft, concealment of stolen property, and alleged financing of terrorism.
According to him, the Corps secured a valid court order and search warrant authorising the sealing of the premises and the transfer of all recovered railway sleepers and tracks to the Nigerian Railway Corporation as exhibits for prosecution.
He said the facility will remain sealed pending the conclusion of investigations.
“The court order also covers the sealing of facilities linked to Inner Galaxy Steel Company and Jiuxing Integrity Industrial Ltd in Abia and Zamfara States, as well as any other branches nationwide connected to the investigation,” he said.
Afolabi alleged that some arrested staff members confessed during interrogation that vandalised railway materials and other critical infrastructure were often transported to the company’s facilities for melting and recycling into products such as nails and roofing sheets.
He added that some Chinese nationals linked to the matter had been invited for questioning but were yet to appear before investigators.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, directed the Special Intelligence Squad and other operatives handling the case to ensure diligence and professionalism in the investigation.
He also called on members of the public to support security agencies with credible information to curb vandalism and economic sabotage.
“All suspects found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said, reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure.
Railway vandalism has remained a recurring challenge in Nigeria, repeatedly affecting rail operations and increasing maintenance costs despite ongoing investments in rail infrastructure such as the Abuja–Kaduna and Lagos–Ibadan standard gauge lines.
المصدر: Leadership (Nigeria)