The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has debunked claims of vandalism on the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail Line, describing a viral video as “misleading” and “old.” The video, published by Sahara Reporters, alleged that vandals had stolen major components from the $1.5 billion rail project.

The NRC clarified that the incident in the video occurred on the old narrow gauge line in Oyo State, not on the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge corridor. The incidents took place between August 7 and 27, 2024, and involved the theft of E-clips and short rails at Kilometre 218 and 221 in Erunmu, Ibadan.

The corporation took immediate action, engaging with local communities, the police, and scrap metal dealers to prevent further vandalism. Several suspects were arrested and handed over to the Railway Police Command in Lagos for investigation and prosecution.

The NRC assured the public that the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail Line is safe for passengers and operations. The Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, warned against vandalism, describing it as economic sabotage, and urged the media to verify information before publication.

The NRC commended the efforts of security agencies and the judiciary in apprehending and prosecuting vandals. The corporation appealed for continued support and urged media outlets to verify their facts before publication to avoid misrepresenting information and causing undue alarm in the public.

The NRC remains committed to protecting all national rail infrastructure and will continue to collaborate with security agencies, local communities, and the media to prevent vandalism and prosecute offenders.