NRC officials inspect damaged signal equipment on the Lagos–Ibadan rail line after suspected vandals tampered with critical infrastructure.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised alarm over the vandalisation of critical signalling equipment along the Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge corridor, particularly between the Agege and Agbado stations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the corporation described the incident as a deliberate act of sabotage against vital national infrastructure.
According to the statement, unidentified individuals tampered with essential signalling systems, removing signal machine cap protectors and severing connection cables on Switch Point Machine No. 2. The damage was discovered during a routine inspection of the route.
Unyimadu warned that such acts could compromise passenger and staff safety, even though current train services on the Lagos–Ibadan route remain unaffected.
“The Corporation strongly condemns these acts of sabotage against national infrastructure, stressing that such actions not only disrupt smooth train operations but also pose serious safety risks to both passengers and railway staff,” the statement read.
“However, NRC assures the general public that train movement on the Lagos–Ibadan corridor was not obstructed and operations have continued without interruption. Security agencies have been notified to investigate and apprehend those responsible.”
The NRC noted that the latest incident adds to a recurring pattern of vandalism targeting its infrastructure nationwide — including theft of rail tracks, signal cables, and other safety components by scavengers.
The corporation reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safe and reliable rail operations while urging residents and communities along railway lines to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near rail facilities.
“We are appealing to members of the public to see the railway as a collective asset that must be protected. Safety and efficiency depend on the integrity of our infrastructure,” Unyimadu added.
This development follows recent concerns raised by the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) in its report on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor, which highlighted the deteriorating state of railway infrastructure and the need for stronger security measures.
Writing by Aremu Toyeebaht
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