NRC, NSCDC foil railway vandalism attempt, recover nine cylinders in Osun

Joint operatives of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, have foiled an attempt to vandalise railway infrastructure in Osun State and recovered nine gas cylinders believed to have been intended for cutting tracks.

The incident happened along a section of the rail line in the state. According to officials, the patrol team intercepted suspects attempting to tamper with railway materials in the early hours of the morning.

Confirming the development, the NRC said its security unit, working with NSCDC personnel, acted on intelligence and moved in before significant damage could be done to the tracks. 

The nine cylinders recovered are suspected to be oxy-acetylene cylinders used for cutting metal. No arrest was confirmed at press time, but officials said investigations are ongoing to track those behind the attempt.

*Rising attacks on rail infrastructure* 
Vandalism of railway assets has been a recurring problem across Nigeria, leading to delays, derailments and huge repair costs. The NRC has repeatedly warned that damaging rail tracks endangers passengers and disrupts the movement of goods.

The NSCDC, which is statutorily responsible for protecting critical national infrastructure, said it has intensified patrols along rail corridors in the Southwest.

Authorities urged residents living near rail lines to report suspicious activities, adding that anyone caught vandalising railway property will face prosecution.

The recovered cylinders have been taken into custody as exhibits while further investigation continues.