The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has issued a strong refutation of viral online footage alleging that the $1.5 billion Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail corridor was vandalised. In a statement from Lagos signed by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Mr. Callistus Unyimadu, the NRC clarified that the damage shown in the video did not occur on the modern standard gauge route unveiled in 2021 under former President Buhari, contrary to the claims circulating as of August 2, 2025
Instead, the corporation explained that the incident took place during August 7 to August 27, 2024 on the old narrow‑gauge line between Omi‑Adio and Erunmu in Oyo State. CCTV and internal communication logs show that vandals stole at least 250 E‑clips, 16 short rails, additional rails, and even poles at kilometre markers 218, 219 and 221 along that corridor. A separate theft reported on September 9, 2024 involved another 280 E‑clips and two poles
NRC Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa acknowledged the media’s role in highlighting sabotage of critical assets but emphasised the need for accuracy regarding the time frame and location. The corporation also disclosed that several suspects were arrested in collaboration with local law enforcement and community vigilante groups, then transferred to the Railway Police Command in Lagos for prosecution. Sensitisation campaigns were conducted around Agodi Gate in Ibadan to curb scrap dealers from purchasing stolen rail materials
Dr. Opeifa further warned that all individuals or companies found to be buying or receiving stolen rail components, including smelting firms, foundries, or scrap dealers, would be treated as economic saboteurs and prosecuted accordingly. He commended security agencies for their arrests and the judiciary for swift adjudication in reported cases
Since the August–September 2024 incidents on the narrow‑gauge track, NRC confirms that no further vandalism has been detected along that Oyo route. The Standard Gauge Lagos–Ibadan line remains fully intact and operational, with no disruption to passenger or freight services attributed to sabotage
This report captures the key facts: the date and location of the vandalism, the distinction between narrow and standard gauge lines, actions taken by NRC, and their legal warning to saboteurs, all written with a crisp, authoritative tone befitting a top-tier Nigerian media outlet.
