The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sealed off facilities belonging to Inner Galaxy Steel and other linked companies over allegations connected to the vandalism and illegal recycling of railway infrastructure across the country.
The action followed an investigation into the theft and destruction of railway materials, which security operatives allegedly traced to company facilities located in Kaduna State and other parts of Nigeria.
Speaking during a press briefing at the affected facility in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the NSCDC said the operation was backed by a valid court order after suspects were arrested and stolen railway components recovered.
According to the Corps, those under investigation are facing allegations including conspiracy, destruction of critical railway infrastructure, theft, concealment of stolen property and activities linked to economic sabotage.
The National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed that the court order also authorised security agencies to seal other facilities connected to the investigation in Abia, Zamfara and any other parts of the country.
“The facilities will remain sealed while investigations continue,” Afolabi stated.
He further revealed that some suspects and workers allegedly confessed during interrogation that stolen railway materials were usually brought to the company’s factories, where they were melted and recycled into products such as roofing sheets and nails.
The NSCDC also disclosed that some Chinese nationals linked to the companies have been invited for questioning but are yet to appear before investigators.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, stressed that the agency remains committed to protecting critical national infrastructure and fighting economic sabotage across Nigeria.
He directed officers handling the case to carry out a thorough and professional investigation, warning that anyone found guilty would face prosecution according to the law.
“All suspects found culpable will be prosecuted,” Audi said.
The Corps also appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies with useful information capable of helping to tackle vandalism and destruction of public infrastructure.
Railway vandalism has remained a major concern in Nigeria, especially as the Federal Government continues investing heavily in rail transportation projects across the country.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned that the theft and destruction of railway tracks, sleepers and other components not only threaten public safety but also increase maintenance costs and slow down national development projects.
The Federal Government has spent billions of naira on railway modernisation projects, including the Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan rail lines, making the protection of railway infrastructure a major national priority.
Source:NSCDC
