A man has been arrested in Lagos for allegedly vandalizing railway infrastructure, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed. The arrest is part of a broader effort to combat the increasing damage to the nation’s rail network.
In a statement, the NRC identified the suspect as 32-year-old Bashiru Hafeez. He was apprehended on Thursday, March 26, 2026, by security personnel during a routine patrol at the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station in Ebute-Metta.
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Hafeez was reportedly found in possession of fifteen pandrol clips, which are essential iron fasteners used to secure rail tracks. The components are believed to have been stolen from the narrow-gauge corridor at Alagomeji, a section of the Lagos rail network.
“These components are critical to track stability, and their removal poses serious safety risks, including the potential for derailment,” the corporation stated, highlighting the danger such thefts pose to train operations and passenger safety.
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Following his arrest, the suspect was transferred to the Nigerian Railway Police Command for investigation. He has since been arraigned before a Lagos court and is being held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending a further hearing scheduled for April 24, 2026.
Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director and CEO of the NRC, reiterated the corporation’s zero-tolerance policy on vandalism. He praised the security team for their vigilance and swift action, emphasizing that the NRC will continue collaborating with law enforcement to prosecute offenders.
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“Anyone found culpable in vandalizing railway infrastructure or dealing in stolen railway materials will face the full weight of the law,” Opeifa warned, describing such acts as a direct threat to public safety.
The NRC has also urged the public to report any suspicious activities near railway lines, reinforcing that the rail system is a vital national asset that requires collective protection. The corporation assured passengers of its ongoing commitment to providing safe, secure, and efficient services nationwide.
