The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has shut down operations at Inner Galaxy Steel facilities across the country following allegations that the company was involved in the vandalism and illegal recycling of railway infrastructure.
The enforcement action followed a court order obtained after security operatives arrested several suspects and reportedly recovered stolen railway materials traced to the company’s premises in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking during an inspection of the sealed facility in Kaduna on Sunday, the NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, said the investigation uncovered suspected links between the company and the theft of critical railway assets.
He explained that the court had authorised both the sealing of the premises and the preservation of recovered materials as evidence for prosecution.
“We acted on a valid court order after arrests were made and railway materials suspected to have been stolen were recovered. These exhibits will be handed over to the Nigerian Railway Corporation for further action,” Afolabi said.
According to him, the investigation also extends beyond Kaduna, covering other facilities allegedly connected to the company, including branches in Abia and Zamfara States, as well as additional locations nationwide.
“The sealing covers Inner Galaxy Steel facilities and Jiuxing Integrity Industrial Ltd in different states, as the investigation suggests a wider network of involvement,” he added.
Preliminary findings, according to the Corps, suggest that some arrested employees admitted during interrogation that vandalised railway parts were allegedly transported to the company’s sites, where they were melted and converted into industrial products such as nails and roofing sheets.
Afolabi also noted that several foreign nationals linked to the case had been invited for questioning but had yet to appear before investigators.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, reiterated the agency’s commitment to safeguarding national infrastructure and ensuring accountability in the ongoing investigation.
“Anyone found culpable will face prosecution according to the law. We remain committed to protecting critical national assets and reducing economic sabotage across the country,” Audi stated.
He further directed the special investigative unit handling the case to maintain professionalism and thoroughness as the probe continues.
Railway vandalism has remained a persistent challenge in Nigeria, with repeated cases of theft and destruction of rail materials contributing to delays in infrastructure development and increased maintenance costs.
The NSCDC says it is intensifying enforcement efforts to curb the trend and protect public assets nationwide.
