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NRC refutes vandalisation claim of $1.5b Lagos- Ibadan standard gauge rail line

– says viral video on the incident old, misleading, mischievous
Funso OLOJO
The Management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has dismissed the viral video on the purported vandalisation of the $1.5 billion Lagos- Ibadan Standard gauge rail line as old, mischievous and intended to mislead the public.
According to the Corporation, the incident referred to in the viral video happened in August 2024 on the old narrow gauge and not the standard gauge which was commissioned  by late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021.
 “While we appreciate the efforts of Sahara Reporters and the other platforms that reposted the viral story to draw attention to the ugly activities of these economic saboteurs whose activities are jeopardizing smooth railway operations across the country, as they continue to vandalise critical national assets, we wish to state that the referenced video, was not recent and did not occur on the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge corridor as erroneously indicated.
“Rather, the incident took place between 7th and 27th of August 2024, along the old narrow gauge line between Km 170 (Omi-Adio) and Km 240 (Erunmu), in Oyo State”
According to NRC internal communication dated 7th August 2024, the vandalised section involves the narrow gauge line laid on concrete sleepers.
“Documented records showed that these acts, were recorded twice in August, (between August 7th and 27th, 2024), at Km 218 (Erunmu, Ibadan), where 250 E-clips were vandalized, and at Km 221 (Erunmu, Ibadan), where 16 short rails and one additional short rail were carted away.
“Also on September 9, 2004 another 280 E-clips, including two poles, were stolen at Km 219 (Erunmu, Ibadan).
“These incidents triggered immediate intervention by the Corporation through community engagement, involving the village head of Erunmu, the vigilante group, and the police.
“Sensitisation campaigns were also organised at Agodi Gate, targeting scrap metal dealers to curb the purchase of stolen railway materials which are critical national assets.
“Following these actions, several suspects were arrested by the Oyo State Police CID and handed over to the Railway Police Command in Lagos, for further interrogation and prosecution.
“Since then, no further incident of vandalism has been reported along that axis.
“While we appreciate the Sahara Reporters for beaming a searchlight again on these criminal acts, the NRC management wish to again warn all those who have remained recalcitrant to refrain from vandalizing the train tracks or risk the stiff prosecution as economic saboteurs if caught” the NRC management stated in a statement
The management also called on all their collaborators of the vandals ,whether smelting companies or foundries or anyone serving as receivers of these stolen items that they would be regarded as economic saboteurs and their companies treated as saboteurs if caught.
The Managing Director of the corporation , Dr. Kayode Opeifa also applauded the efforts of the Railway Command of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security  and Civil Defence Corps across the country, who have continued to apprehend these vandals daily, even as he lauded the judiciary for the speedy trials and stiff punishments meted out to those whose matters have been disposed of at the courts.
“We appeal for continued support.
“While applauding the media for the support in their sustained interest against vandalism of railway assets, especially its track and rolling stock irons across the country, we urged them to however ensure that the media always cross check its information before misleading the members of the public.
“We urge media outlets to verify their facts before publication, especially when reporting on issues that borders on critical national assets and security.
” Misrepresentation not only undermines the credibility of such platforms, but also causes undue alarm in the public.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation remains committed to the protection of all national rail infrastructure—both standard and narrow gauges—and will continue to collaborate with security agencies, local communities and the media to prevent vandalism and prosecute offenders,” Opeifa declared.j
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Tinubu swears in new IGP, Tunde Disu on Wednesday as Police council endorses his appointment

Funso OLOJO,  Editor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 swear- in the new Inspector – General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu following the endorsement of his appointment by the Nigeria Police Council.
According to the Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the  ceremony will take place during the Federal Executive Council meeting, scheduled for the same day.
The Council’s meeting, which took place at the State House, was presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and had in attendance Vice President Kashim Shettima, state governors and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, in accordance with the constitution.
Others in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; and the head of service, Mrs Esther Didi Walson-Jack.
The President appointed Disu as the new police chief, following the resignation of the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who spoke glowingly about the Acting Inspector-General of Police, commended Disu for his exemplary services as a policeman, especially when he served as the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos State between 2015 and 2021, where his tenure earned him and the RRS recognition for excellence in crime control.
Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, commended the President’s appointment of Disu, noting that it was based on his excellent career record.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, also lauded Disu for his professionalism.
Disu served in Wike’s home state of Rivers as Assistant Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Department, and Officer-in-charge, anti-kidnapping unit, between 2014 and 2015.
He later served as Commissioner of Police in the FCT Command when Wike became the minister.
Wike commended him for his efficiency as a crime fighter and for ensuring the command’s strategic impact in addressing security concerns within the territory.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State seconded the motion endorsing Disu’s appointment.
Disu was born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State and joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent.
He rose through the ranks with multiple qualifications in public administration, forensic investigation, criminology, security, legal psychology, and entrepreneurship-credentials that reflect his commitment to knowledge-driven, modern policing.
The Acting Inspector-General has held critical operational, investigative, and strategic command positions nationwide.
His last position was as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Special Protection Unit and the Force CID Annex, Lagos.
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Maersk’s suspension of shipping operations through Strait of Hormuz raises anxiety among Nigerian importers 

Attack on vessel in the Strait of Hormuz
Funso OLOJO, with agency report
The on- going hostilies in the Middle East have continued to stifle international trade as most of the shipping companies have suspended voyage through the troubled Strait of Hormuz.
The joint attacks by the military forces of the United States of America (USA) and Israel on the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in the assassination of its Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khomenei and over 40 top military officers of the Islamic country,have put a strain on shipping operations along the busy vessel route of Strait of Hormuz as the Houthis militias, who are sympathetic to Iran, have threatened to attack vessels on the route.
Strait of Hormuz accounts for one third of the world shipping passage while the route accommodates the world largest crude tankers , despite its narrow width.
As a result of the threats, which have raised safety concerns on the vessels, cargos and crews, major shipping lines have halted their operations along the route.
Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company, has halted passage of cargo vessels through the Strait of Hormuz for “safety” reasons.

“We are suspending all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice,” the Danish group said in an online advisory.“The safety of our crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our key priority,” it said.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had earlier announced the Strait’s closure.

Major Middle Eastern oil and gas exporters rely on it to move supplies to international markets while importing nations depend on its uninterrupted operation.
China, one of the biggest destinations of Nigerian importers, make use of the route for import of the crude oil from the Middle East, especially Iran and export of its manufactured goods to the developing countries, especially Nigeria.
This development has raised anxiety among Nigerian importers who expressed concerns over the implications of the disruption on the route one the cost of imports, especially from China.
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NRC hosts Rotary Club on mobile train

Gloria Odion, Reporter 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has played host to the Rotary Club of Ota by hosting Nigeria’s first-ever Rotary fellowship on a moving train, setting a remarkable benchmark for innovation in civic and humanitarian engagement.
The groundbreaking event brought together members of the club aboard a moving train for fellowship, leadership interaction, and strategic discussion centered on service to humanity, climate action, and sustainable community development.
The fellowship was led by the President of the Rotary Club of Ota, Mr. Charles Umukoro, alongside members of the club’s executive and general membership.
A major highlight of the occasion was the visit of the Railway District Manager, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji, who warmly welcomed the Rotarians on board.
His presence underscored the significance of the event and further strengthened the cordial relationship between the railway management and the Rotary Club.
In a symbolic moment reflecting shared values of service and partnership, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji was formally inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Ota following his welcome address, adding prestige and deeper institutional collaboration to the landmark fellowship.
The moving-train fellowship was widely described as symbolic of progress, innovation, and forward movement—values that align closely with the transformation agenda of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation said it was committed to supporting initiatives that promote national development, environmental sustainability, and community advancement, while showcasing the railway as a safe, modern, and strategic platform for engagement.
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