The Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have foiled an attempt to vandalise railway track materials at the siding serving the Dangote Steel Rolling Mills in Osogbo, Osun.

In a statement on Sunday, NRC spokesperson Callistus Unyimadu said the corporation received a report on Friday about the ongoing vandalisation of railway track materials and immediately proceeded to the site with security personnel.

“On sighting the security operatives, the suspected vandals fled the scene. A search of the area led to the recovery of nine oxygen gas cylinders reportedly brought to the site for the illegal operation,” Mr Unyimadu noted.

He stated that security operatives, including officers of the NSCDC railway command, had since secured the affected railway materials and the surrounding area.

NRC managing director and chief executive officer, Kayode Opeifa, described the intervention as “another significant success in the sustained efforts to protect railway infrastructure from vandals and other economic saboteurs”.

While commending the security operatives for their timely response, Mr Opeifa explained that railway infrastructure is a critical national asset.