A 32-year-old man, Bashiru Hafeez, has been arrested and remanded in custody for allegedly removing critical railway track components from the narrow-gauge corridor at Alagomeji in Lagos. The components, 15 pandrol clips, are essential for track stability, and their removal poses serious safety risks, including the potential for derailment.
According to the spokesperson of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Callistus Unyimadu, Hafeez was apprehended on Thursday, March 26, 2026, by security personnel from Multi Eye Security Services attached to Mobolaji Johnson Train Station. He was subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Railway Police Command for investigation and prosecution.
The case has been adjourned to April 24, 2026, at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. The Nigerian Railway Corporation has reiterated its zero tolerance for vandalism, describing such acts as economic sabotage capable of endangering lives and undermining national infrastructure.
The arrest of Bashiru Hafeez serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of vandalism on Nigeria's critical infrastructure. The Nigerian Railway Corporation's Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, has made it clear that such acts will not be tolerated, and those found culpable will face the full weight of the law. The public must remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around railway corridors to prevent further destruction of national assets. The railway remains a vital component of Nigeria's transportation network, and its protection is crucial for the safety and efficiency of rail operations.
