By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sealed all branches of Inner Galaxy Steel Company and Jiuxing Integrity Industrial Ltd nationwide following the exposure of an alleged sophisticated syndicate accused of vandalizing critical national infrastructure and financing criminal activities.
According to an official signed statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, ACC Afolabi Babawale, the action followed the procurement of comprehensive court orders authorizing the sealing of the companies’ facilities as part of an intensified federal crackdown on economic sabotage, infrastructure theft, and alleged terrorism financing.
The statement disclosed that suspects linked to the syndicate are facing multiple criminal allegations, including conspiracy to commit felony and theft, intentional endangerment of persons traveling by railway, obstruction and destruction of railway infrastructure, failure to provide information to public officers, concealment of stolen property, and alleged support for terrorist activities.
Acting on valid search warrants and court orders, operatives of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’S SIS) reportedly stormed the companies’ facility located at Birnin Yero in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where recovered railway sleepers and tracks were secured and handed over to the Nigerian Railway Corporation as exhibits for prosecution.
Investigations by the Corps revealed that arrested staff members allegedly confessed to operating a coordinated logistics network through which vandalized railway infrastructure was transported to the companies’ headquarters in Aba and other branches for melting and recycling into commercial products, including nails and roofing sheets.
The NSCDC further extended closure and investigation orders to the companies’ headquarters located at Ahala Ukwa Village, Umuahala Community, Obuzor Ukwu in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, as well as the northern operational hub situated at Tasha Rawayyah in Gusau, Zamfara State, alongside other subsidiaries nationwide.
The statement added that Chinese nationals linked to the management of the industrial facilities have been formally summoned by the Corps but are yet to appear before investigators.
Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, directed the Commander of the CG’S SIS, Appollos Dandaura, to ensure that operatives maintain professionalism and diligence throughout the ongoing investigation and enforcement operation.
Professor Audi warned that all suspects found culpable would face the full weight of the law, stressing that the Corps remains resolute in its commitment to combating infrastructure vandalism and protecting national assets.
The NSCDC also commended the judiciary for the swift approval of the legal instruments used in the operation, noting that the intervention helped preserve critical evidence. The Corps further appreciated members of the media for supporting efforts aimed at exposing economic crimes and promoting accountability.
The agency urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to strengthen the fight against infrastructure theft and economic sabotage across the country.
