The ongoing crackdown on railway vandals recorded another breakthrough as a Lagos court remanded a suspected railway vandal following his arrest along the PWD–Ikeja rail corridor.
The suspect, James Matthew, 32, was apprehended by personnel of the Man O’ War, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Command while allegedly vandalising railway infrastructure.
Security operatives said the suspect was arrested in possession of 83 pandrol clips—critical railway fastening components that secure rails to concrete sleepers. The removal of the clips poses a significant risk to rail operations, potentially causing service disruptions and accidents.
Following his arrest, the suspect was handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Railway Command, which conducted further investigations before arraigning him before a competent court.
The court subsequently ordered that James Matthew be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, while the case was adjourned until Thursday, July 16, 2026, for further hearing.
Reacting to the development, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, described the arrest, prosecution and remand as a strong demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding critical railway infrastructure and protecting rail operations nationwide.
Dr. Opeifa praised the vigilance, courage and professionalism of the Man O’ War, NRC Command for apprehending the suspect and commended the NSCDC Railway Command for its thorough investigation and successful prosecution.
He reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to working closely with security agencies to eliminate railway vandals and other criminal elements from rail corridors across the country.
“The railway is a strategic national asset that belongs to every Nigerian. Its protection is a shared responsibility, and the Corporation will not relent in ensuring that anyone caught vandalising railway infrastructure faces the full weight of the law,” he said.
The NRC Managing Director also urged residents living near railway corridors and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around railway tracks, stations and other railway facilities to security agencies or the Corporation.
He warned that railway vandalism not only inflicts huge economic losses but also endangers passengers and railway workers, disrupts rail services, and undermines the Federal Government’s investment in modern rail transportation.
