Army Intercepts Truckload of Vandalised Railway Tracks, Arrests 8 Suspects, Recovers Cash in Yobe
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai, have intercepted a truckload of vandalised railway materials and arrested eight suspects—five of whom are serving personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—during a targeted operation in Katarko, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, PRNigeria learnt.
The operation, carried out on Monday, July 8, at approximately 4:00 p.m., followed actionable intelligence on the movement of looted railway infrastructure believed to have been removed from the Kukuwa axis of the railway line in Gujba.
According to Zagazola Makama, the troops intercepted a truck carrying the suspected vandalised railway iron sleepers en route to Damaturu. Also seized was a white Hilux vehicle bearing NSCDC registration number CD 234 A, suspected to have been used to escort the illegal consignment.
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Preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested NSCDC personnel were allegedly invited by the vandals to provide cover and safe passage in exchange for financial gratification.
During a search, troops recovered ₦128,500 in cash from one of the NSCDC officers. The money, believed to be part of the proceeds from the illicit activity, was reportedly concealed in his inner wear.
All eight suspects, along with the impounded vehicles and recovered materials, have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Damaturu for further investigation. An anti-bomb squad has also been directed to examine the recovered railway components to rule out any safety risks.
Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and assured that all individuals found complicit—regardless of their status—will face prosecution in accordance with the law.
The arrest underscores the Nigerian Army’s renewed commitment to tackling critical infrastructure sabotage and collaborating with relevant agencies to safeguard public assets in the Northeast region.
By PRNigeria
