The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has foiled an attempt to vandalise railway track materials at the siding serving the Dangote Steel Rolling Mills, Osogbo, formerly known as the Osogbo Steel Rolling Mills.
According to the District Engineer, Western District, Ibadan, Engr. Austin O. Ohenhen, the Principal Track Officer (PTO), Osogbo, received a report on Friday, August 28, 2026, concerning the ongoing vandalisation of railway track materials at the siding, which is currently not in operation.
Following the report, the PTO proceeded to the location with security personnel. On sighting the security operatives, the suspected vandals fled the scene.
According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of NRC- Calistus Unyimadu, a search of the area led to the recovery of nine oxygen gas cylinders reportedly brought to the site for the illegal operation. Security personnel, including officers of the NSCDC Railway Command, have since secured the affected railway materials and the vicinity.
Reacting to the incident, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, described the intervention as another significant success in the sustained efforts to protect railway infrastructure from vandals and other economic saboteurs.
Dr. Opeifa commended the security personnel for their vigilance and timely response, urging security formations across the railway network to further intensify surveillance and enforcement against the vandalisation and theft of railway assets.
He stressed that railway infrastructure constitutes critical national assets whose protection is essential to the safety of rail operations, sustainability of services and the economic development of the country.
The Managing Director reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with relevant security agencies in safeguarding railway infrastructure nationwide.
He also called on members of the public, particularly communities located along railway corridors, to support the campaign against vandalism by promptly reporting suspicious activities around railway tracks, stations and other railway facilities.
Dr. Opeifa further directed security operatives to intensify efforts towards identifying, apprehending and prosecuting those responsible for the attempted vandalisation at the Dangote Steel Rolling Mills siding.
He assured that the Corporation would continue to provide the necessary support to security agencies in the collective effort to stamp out vandalism and other acts capable of undermining railway operations across the country.
