Conspiracy Uncovered: NRC Blames Vandals for Destruction of Railway Tracks

NRC Cries Out Over Rampant Vandalism of Railway Infrastructure.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has sounded the alarm over the escalating rate of vandalism and theft of its infrastructure across the country. Managing Director Freeborn Okhirie expressed his concerns during a visit to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) headquarters in Abuja.

Okhirie commended the NSCDC for its efforts in protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, which has led to the arrest of several railway sleeper thieves. However, he lamented that despite these efforts, the NRC continues to suffer losses due to vandalism of its installations.

“The rate of vandalism is alarming, with rail tracks being destroyed and the number of perpetrators on the rise, despite numerous arrests,” Okhirie said. He described the trend as “an organised conspiracy to commit economic sabotage” and called for a stronger synergy among stakeholders and security agencies to bring perpetrators and sponsors to justice.

Okhirie urged Nigerians to provide information leading to the arrest of suspects, emphasizing the need to secure infrastructure meant to serve the public.

NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi responded by revealing that the Corps has impounded over 20 trailers conveying vandalized railway sleepers and arrested numerous suspects in connection with the crime.

The NRC’s plea for help comes as the country struggles to revamp its rail network, a critical component of its transportation infrastructure.

The NRC’s struggles with vandalism are a symptom of a larger problem plaguing Nigeria’s infrastructure development. Despite efforts to revamp the rail network, the corporation faces significant challenges in maintaining its assets.

Okhirie’s call for stronger synergy among stakeholders and security agencies is a recognition of the need for a collaborative approach to addressing the issue. The NSCDC’s efforts to protect critical national assets are commendable, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of vandalism.

As Nigeria strives to develop its infrastructure, it is essential to address the issue of vandalism and economic sabotage. The country cannot afford to lose valuable assets to senseless destruction.

The NRC’s plea for public support is a testament to the need for collective action in addressing this challenge. By working together, Nigerians can help protect critical infrastructure and ensure the country’s development is not derailed by senseless acts of vandalism.