By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps) has uncovered and dismantled a suspected multi-billion-naira vandalism syndicate operating in Kaduna State, allegedly involved in the theft and recycling of critical national infrastructure, including railway tracks, NNPC pipelines, and water supply assets.
According to an official signed statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, ACC Afolabi Babawale, the breakthrough followed the circulation of a viral video showing extensive vandalization of newly installed Kaduna–Kano rail tracks and sections of existing rail infrastructure. In response, the Commandant General directed the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) alongside the Kaduna State Command to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Acting on intelligence, operatives of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, led by Commandant Apollos Dandaura, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Command, on Tuesday, 12th May 2026, conducted a coordinated operation at Birnin Yero in Igabi Local Government Area, where they stormed and sealed the Kaduna branch of Inner Galaxy Steel Company.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the facility was operating under the guise of a scrap metal processing business while allegedly serving as a major collection and processing hub for vandalized railway materials, Nigerian National Petroleum Company (Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited) pipelines, and infrastructure belonging to water utility agencies.
The Corps stated that the alleged modus operandi of the syndicate involved purchasing stolen infrastructure materials from vandals, compressing them into scrap form to conceal their origin, and transporting them to another facility in Aba, Abia State, where they were reportedly melted and reprocessed into finished metal products such as nails and iron rods for commercial distribution.
Twelve suspects were arrested during the operation, while large quantities of exhibits were recovered, including vandalized railway tracks, sleepers, and suspected pipeline materials valued at several billions of naira.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, commended the operatives for what he described as a professionally executed operation, reiterating the Corps’ resolve to clamp down on economic sabotage across the country.
He warned that individuals and corporate entities found culpable in the destruction or illegal recycling of critical national assets would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, stressing that the Corps would not tolerate any act capable of undermining national infrastructure.
The NSCDC further reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Critical National Assets and Infrastructure and urged citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
