Railway vandalism: Chinese-linked steel company sealed
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sealed facilities belonging to a Chinese-linked steel company across the country following allegations of involvement in railway vandalism and recycling of critical national infrastructure.
The corps said the enforcement action targeted Inner Galaxy Steel Company and other associated facilities after investigations linked the firm to the alleged handling and recycling of vandalised railway materials.
Speaking on Sunday at the company’s premises in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said the operation followed the arrest of suspects and the recovery of railway tracks and sleepers from the facility.
He said the corps had obtained a court order and search warrant authorising the sealing of the premises and preservation of recovered exhibits for prosecution by the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
Afolabi explained that preliminary findings indicated that vandalised railway materials were allegedly transported to the company’s facilities, where they were melted and converted into products such as roofing sheets and nails.
He added that the court order covered Inner Galaxy Steel Company and Jiuxing Integrity Industrial Ltd, as well as other linked facilities in Abia and Zamfara states, including branches nationwide suspected to be connected to the case.
According to him, some suspects already in custody were being investigated for conspiracy, theft, obstruction and damage to railway infrastructure, concealment of stolen property and other related offences.
He also disclosed that Chinese nationals linked to the company had been summoned for questioning but had yet to appear before investigators.
“The facility will remain sealed pending the conclusion of investigations,” he said.
The NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, directed the Special Intelligence Squad to ensure a thorough and professional investigation, stressing that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted.
Audi urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support efforts aimed at curbing vandalism and protecting critical national assets.
المصدر: Daily Trust (NG)