The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the arrest of one of its staff members, Gift Eseeli, in connection with an alleged cable theft incident in Delta State. The arrest took place at Rafa Yard along the Warri-Itakpe Train Service corridor, following swift action by operatives of the Man O’ War Railway Command.
The Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, revealed that several lengths of 50mm armoured signal cable had been illegally removed from trackside installations. The suspect was intercepted by a team led by Mr Williams Agiake, and the stolen materials were successfully recovered intact.
Opeifa stated that the suspect has been handed over to the Nigerian Police Force, where a full investigation is now underway.
“Railway assets are national assets,” said Opeifa. “The Corporation will not tolerate any act of vandalism or theft that would endanger passengers’ safety or sabotage the Renewed Hope infrastructure drive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.”
He further stressed that the NRC would pursue legal action against any individual or group, including its own staff, found guilty of vandalism or theft, with no exceptions.
This incident underscores the Corporation’s commitment to safeguarding national infrastructure and ensuring the safety and reliability of Nigeria’s railway services.