Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised fresh concerns over coordinated attacks on railway infrastructure in parts of the country, even as it announced additional train services on the Lagos–Ibadan corridor ahead of the Sallah celebration.
In a statement issued over the weekend, the Corporation disclosed that fresh incidents of railway vandalism were recorded in Plateau and Bauchi states, describing the development as a direct attack on critical national infrastructure, public safety and national security.
According to the NRC, one of the incidents occurred on May 21, 2026, when a truck allegedly loaded with vandalized railway materials became stuck between Kuru and Science School in Plateau State, exposing the activities of criminal elements involved in the illegal removal and transportation of railway assets.
The Corporation also reported that along Zango in Bauchi State, between Kilometer 878 and 889, railway slippers were completely removed on both sides of a level crossing, leaving only disjointed rail pieces behind.
The NRC warned that such acts could lead to catastrophic train accidents, disruption of rail services, loss of lives and destruction of government investments worth billions of naira.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, condemned the persistent attacks on railway facilities, describing them as sabotage against national development and a serious threat to passengers and railway personnel.
Opeifa said the increasing incidents of vandalism across the North Central and North East railway corridors pointed to a dangerous trend that requires urgent intervention from security agencies, state governments, traditional rulers and communities along railway lines.
He appealed to Nigerians to protect railway infrastructure, stressing that railway tracks, sleepers, clips, fastenings and signaling materials are strategic national assets funded with taxpayers’ money to support transportation, trade and economic growth.
The NRC also warned vandals, scrap dealers and individuals involved in the illegal purchase or movement of railway materials to desist immediately or face prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Corporation announced a temporary increase in train operations on the Lagos–Ibadan Train Service corridor to ease passenger movement during the Sallah festivities.
Under the arrangement, six train trips will operate on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, instead of the usual four services.
Train departures from Lagos will be at 7:45am, 1:40pm and 4:00pm, while departures from Ibadan are scheduled for 8:00am, 10:50am and 4:30pm.
The NRC clarified that the adjustment is temporary and applies only during the Sallah travel period, after which the normal timetable will resume.
The Corporation further disclosed that the Osun State Government will operate its annual free Sallah train service on the NRC narrow gauge corridor for indigenes travelling home for the celebration.
According to the statement, the special train will depart from Iddo Station in Lagos on Tuesday, May 26, while the return journey from Osogbo to Lagos is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2026.
The service, sponsored by the Osun State Government through a paid arrangement with the NRC, is designed to convey Osun indigenes free of charge during the festive period.
The Corporation reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, efficient and reliable rail transport services nationwide and wished Nigerians a peaceful Sallah celebration.
