The Nigerian Railway Corporation Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, has pledged to sustain greater collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force and other security operatives on the protection of railway assets which he described as a critical national infrastructure.

Dr Opeifa stated this on Friday, during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola.

The Managing Director, who was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Railway Police Command, CP Lasisi Titilola, was to assure the Oyo Police Command of the determination of the Corporation to prosecute all suspects caught in the vandalism act to serve as deterrence to others.

In a recent successful operation, the Oyo State Police Command, arrested three suspected railway vandals and the recovery of stolen railway materials valued at approximately ₦200 million. The suspects were intercepted through an intelligence-led operation while allegedly transporting vandalized railway materials from Niger State to Lagos.

Dr. Opeifa applauded the professionalism, vigilance, and swift response of the Oyo State Police Command and the Nigeria Railway Police Command in combating railway vandalism. He described the operation as a significant step in safeguarding Nigeria’s railway infrastructure and protecting public investment.
The Managing Director reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to deepening collaboration with security agencies, state governments, host communities, and other stakeholders to eliminate acts of vandalism, theft, and sabotage that threaten railway operations across the country.

He further urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely information that will assist in protecting railway facilities and other critical national assets.

“The Nigerian Railway Corporation remains committed to delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable rail transportation while working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure the security and preservation of the nation’s railway infrastructure,” Dr Opeifa said.

The Managing Director also paid a working visit to the Nigerian Railway Western District Headquarters, Dugbe, Ibadan, where he was warmly received by the Regional District Manager (RDM), Mrs. Naomi Itajobi, alongside management and staff of the district.

Addressing railway staff, Dr. Opeifa commended them for their resilience in sustaining railway operations. He urged every member of staff to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to delivering efficient, safe, and customer-oriented rail services.

He emphasized that the success of the Corporation’s ongoing transformation depends on teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and unwavering commitment from all employees.

In further demonstration of his commitment to staff engagement and inclusive leadership, Dr. Opeifa announced that the Corporation’s Third Quarter Town Hall Meeting which provides an opportunity for management and staff to interact directly, exchange ideas, and discuss initiatives aimed at improving the Corporation’s performance would be held at Ibadan.

He thereafter paid an assessment visit to the Nigerian Police Railway Command Area Headquarters, and the Nigerian Railway Medical Centre, all within the Western District complex.

Earlier, the Oyo State Police Commissioner CP Abimbola urged the National Assembly to review all extant laws relating to vandalism of national infrastructure and give the stiffest of penalties to offenders to serve as deterrence to criminals.

He warned all criminals, especially vandals to stay away from Oyo State as he would stop at nothing to crack them and bring them to book and ensure that anyone caught would be prosecuted.

He said the suspects and the exhibits recovered in the latest arrest would be handed over to the Railway Police Command for necessary prosecution.