NRC Uncovers Fresh Vandalism on Lagos–Ibadan Railway Corridor
By Daniji Emmanuel
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed a fresh case of railway vandalism along the Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge corridor, raising new concerns over the safety and security of critical national transport infrastructure.
According to a statement released by the Corporation, the incident occurred between Agege and Agbado Stations, where unknown vandals tampered with key signalling equipment.
The act of sabotage was discovered during a routine inspection on Monday, October 6, 2025.
Preliminary findings revealed that the perpetrators removed signal machine cap protectors and cut connection cables on Switch Point Machine No. 2, a vital component of the rail signalling system responsible for directing train movements.
Describing the incident as a “dangerous assault on national infrastructure,” the NRC warned that such vandalism poses serious risks to passengers, staff, and train operations. “Tampering with signalling equipment is not only a criminal act but one that endangers lives and threatens the integrity of our rail transport system,” the Corporation said.
Despite the damage, the NRC assured that train services along the Lagos–Ibadan route remain operational, adding that emergency maintenance teams had been deployed to restore the affected system. Security agencies have also been alerted and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The Corporation appealed to residents of communities along the railway corridor to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities near railway facilities to the nearest security authorities.
“The safety and reliability of our rail network depend on public cooperation. We must all join hands to protect these national assets from sabotage,” the NRC stated.
This latest incident adds to the growing list of vandalism cases targeting railway infrastructure across Nigeria, despite ongoing efforts by authorities to secure railway corridors and modernize the country’s rail transport system.
