From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Plateau State Command, has arrested four suspects and recovered over 10,000 stolen railway sleepers from different locations in the state.
Parading the suspects at the command headquarters in Jos on Friday, Commandant Ishaku Musa said the arrests were made following a tip-off from the command’s Human Resource personnel.
Acting on the intelligence, the anti-vandal squad raided Mai Rake Market in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area, on January 24, 2025, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
The four suspects were identified as Abubakar Ibrahim (32), Shaibu Hamza (25), Nasiru Yekini (33), and Abubakar Bello (19).
The operatives also impounded a truck with registration number JJN80ZU, loaded with 33 full-length and 22 short-length railway sleepers.
Commandant Musa emphasized the NSCDC’s commitment to combating vandalism, stating that the suspects would be prosecuted.
“We have recruited 50 Human Resource personnel to provide intelligence reports. This is why we are making these arrests,” he said.
He warned that the command would not relent in its efforts to safeguard public infrastructure, urging criminals to desist or relocate.
Deputy Commandant Sati Haruna, the Area Commander of the North Central District, disclosed that railway materials were recovered from multiple locations, including a recent raid on a compound in Mista-Ali near Jos.
“These materials were recovered with the efforts of the Plateau State NSCDC Command and the Railway District Manager. Some of the vandalized railway sleepers were taken from areas such as Kuru Station and Heipang, which fall under the North Central and North Eastern railway districts,” Haruna said.
He added that vandals typically operate at night, but the command has been acting on timely intelligence reports to apprehend them.
Haruna further warned that vandalism will no longer be tolerated, assuring that offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law.