NRC boss seeks stronger security collaboration with police, demands tougher penalties for vandals

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to protect railway infrastructure across the country.

Opeifa made the pledge on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Abimbola, at the Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.

He was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Railway Police Command, CP Lasisi Titilola.

The NRC boss commended the Oyo State Police Command and the Railway Police Command for their professionalism and swift response, which led to the arrest of three suspected railway vandals and the recovery of stolen railway materials valued at about ₦200 million.

According to him, the suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation while allegedly transporting vandalised railway materials from Niger State to Lagos.

Describing the operation as a major breakthrough, Opeifa said it underscored the effectiveness of sustained collaboration between the Corporation and security agencies in safeguarding public infrastructure.

“We will continue to work closely with security agencies to ensure that all suspects arrested for vandalising railway facilities are diligently prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.

Opeifa reiterated the Corporation’s determination to deepen cooperation with the Police, other security agencies, state governments, host communities and other stakeholders to combat vandalism, theft and sabotage of railway assets.

He also appealed to members of the public to provide timely and credible information that could help security agencies prevent attacks on railway infrastructure.

“The Nigerian Railway Corporation remains committed to delivering safe, reliable and sustainable rail transportation while working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to protect the nation’s railway infrastructure,” he said.

Responding, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Abimbola, called on the National Assembly to strengthen existing laws on vandalism of critical national infrastructure by prescribing stiffer penalties for offenders.

He warned vandals and other criminal elements to stay away from Oyo State, assuring that the command would continue to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the destruction or theft of public assets.

Abimbola added that the three suspects and the recovered railway materials would be handed over to the Nigeria Railway Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

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