A Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) employee was caught stealing crucial signal cables along the Warri-Itakpe corridor.
Consequently, his actions raised immediate concerns about security and safety in the area.
As a result, Gift Eseeli, 38 years old and an NRC staff member, faced immediate detention by officers from the Man O’War Railway Command.
They responded immediately upon discovering the theft on Thursday, emphasizing the urgency of addressing security breaches swiftly.
The officers acted swiftly to prevent further damage or illegal activities in the area.
The stolen cables, measuring 50mm in diameter, were successfully recovered from the trackside installations without any damage.
Consequently, this recovery ensured the safety and functionality of the railway system.
This incident underscores the importance of vigilant security measures within the railway system and highlights ongoing efforts to curb such criminal activities.
Authorities handed over the evidence to the Nigerian Police Force, which has launched a full investigation into the incident.
Officers led by Mr. Williams Agiake intercepted Eseeli at Rafa Yard, preventing further damage to the rail infrastructure.
NRC Acting Spokesman Callistus Unyimadu confirmed the arrest, stressing that such acts threaten both passenger safety and national development.
Preliminary findings suggest the suspect deliberately targeted critical components essential for smooth rail operations.
The recovered cables will serve as key evidence in the ongoing probe.
Dr. Kayode Opeifa, NRC Managing Director, strongly condemned the theft, labeling it a direct attack on public assets. He emphasized that railway infrastructure supports economic growth and must be safeguarded. Vandalism, he warned, undermines President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure modernization.
“Railway assets belong to the nation, and tampering with them endangers lives and disrupts services,” Dr. Opeifa stated. He assured Nigerians that the NRC would enforce strict consequences, including prosecuting its own staff if found guilty. The corporation remains committed to protecting infrastructure and holding offenders accountable.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Force continues its investigation to uncover possible accomplices or broader vandalism networks. This case highlights persistent challenges in securing rail assets, prompting calls for tighter surveillance and stiffer penalties.
Passengers and stakeholders have expressed relief over the arrest but urge stronger preventive measures. The NRC has pledged increased security patrols and community engagement to deter future incidents.
As legal proceedings unfold, authorities aim to convey a strong message to the public. They want to emphasize that infrastructure sabotage will face severe consequences and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The incident serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect national assets. With rail transport playing a crucial role in Nigeria’s economy, safeguarding these systems remains a top priority for both the government and citizens.
