Railway Staff Arrested for Cable Theft Along Warri-Itakpe Train Corridor: NRC Vows Prosecution Without Mercy
In a shocking incident that raises serious concerns about internal sabotage and infrastructure security, operatives of the Man O’ War Railway Command on Thursday apprehended a staff member of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Gift Eseeli, for allegedly stealing high-value signal cables along the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor.
This arrest comes amid heightened efforts to combat the growing menace of cable theft in Nigeria, particularly within critical national infrastructure like railways, telecommunications, and power systems. The Nigerian Railway Corporation has confirmed that the suspect, a 38-year-old NRC employee, was caught red-handed removing 50mm armoured signal cables—vital components that ensure safe and efficient train operations.
Details of the Arrest: Vigilance Pays Off
The Acting Spokesman for the NRC, Mr. Callistus Unyimadu, released a detailed statement confirming the arrest and the recovery of the stolen items. According to him, the incident occurred at Rafa Yard, one of the operational hubs along the Warri-Itakpe route.
“The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) wishes to inform members of the public that operatives of the Man O’ War Railway Command apprehended one Gift Eseeli (male, 38), an NRC employee, at Rafa Yard along the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor for alleged cable theft,” the statement read.
Preliminary investigations revealed that several lengths of the 50mm armoured signal cable had already been stripped from the trackside installations. These cables are critical for transmitting signaling information that controls train movements and ensures passenger safety. Fortunately, the vigilance of railway security officers, led by Mr. Williams Agiake, led to the immediate interception and arrest of the suspect.
“Preliminary findings indicate that several lengths of 50mm armoured signal cable had been removed from the trackside installations before vigilant officers, led by Mr. Williams Agiake, intercepted the suspect,” the statement continued.
Thanks to the swift action of the Man O’ War operatives, the stolen items were recovered intact and subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Police Force, which has already launched a full-scale investigation into the matter.
NRC Management Reacts: Zero Tolerance for Vandalism
The Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has condemned the incident in the strongest terms. He emphasized that railway assets are national assets, and any act of vandalism directly threatens the Renewed Hope infrastructure agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Railway assets are national assets. Acts of vandalism endanger passenger safety and sabotage the Renewed Hope infrastructure drive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” said Dr. Kayode Opeifa.
Dr. Opeifa’s strong words underline the seriousness with which the NRC views internal sabotage, particularly when it involves its own staff. He stated unequivocally that the Corporation will not spare any individual or group found culpable of vandalism, regardless of their status or affiliation.
“The NRC will prosecute any individual or group, including its workers, found culpable of vandalism without exception,” he declared.
Cable Theft: A Threat to National Infrastructure
Cable theft in Nigeria has become a major security challenge over the past decade. Criminals often target electrical and signal cables for the copper and metal components, which they sell for profit. However, the consequences of these thefts go beyond financial losses—they pose grave dangers to public safety and disrupt essential services.
In the case of the railways, stolen signal cables can lead to communication breakdowns between trains and control centers. This increases the risk of train derailments, collisions, and other operational hazards. With President Tinubu’s administration pushing for massive investments in railway modernization, acts like this threaten to derail both progress and public trust.
The Warri-Itakpe Train Service, in particular, is one of the flagship rail corridors in the country. Commissioned in recent years as part of efforts to revive Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure, the corridor plays a critical role in connecting the South-South to the North-Central regions.
Internal Sabotage: A Wake-Up Call for NRC
That the alleged thief is an insider—a staff member of the NRC itself—is especially troubling. It highlights the need for improved internal controls, employee screening, and security audits across all railway zones. Trusting staff with access to sensitive areas must go hand-in-hand with accountability mechanisms and digital surveillance systems.
Experts have called for the NRC to urgently review its security protocols, including:
-
Installation of surveillance cameras along key railway points.
-
Use of digital monitoring for cable integrity.
-
Regular background checks on all field staff.
-
Strict enforcement of whistleblower protections for workers reporting suspicious behavior.
Public Reactions: Outrage and Demand for Justice
Nigerians on social media platforms have expressed outrage over the news. Many are calling for a transparent investigation and stiff penalties for anyone found guilty. Commenters also emphasized the need to make an example out of the suspect, to deter future crimes against national assets.
A Twitter user wrote:
“If NRC staff are the ones stealing cables, how can we trust the rail system? Government must set a hard example.”
Another said:
“That cable could’ve caused a train crash. This is not just theft, it’s attempted murder. Prosecute him!”
Next Steps: Full Investigation Underway
The Nigerian Police Force, now in possession of the suspect and the stolen cables, has commenced a full investigation. It is expected that the suspect will face charges related to vandalism, theft of public infrastructure, and endangerment of public safety.
Legal experts say he could be prosecuted under the Criminal Code Act, Public Property Protection Law, and possibly under terrorism laws if the sabotage is linked to broader criminal networks.
Meanwhile, the NRC has assured the public of its commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient railway system, promising to take more proactive steps to protect railway infrastructure across the country.
Conclusion: A Message to All Vandals—You Will Be Caught
The arrest of Gift Eseeli sends a powerful message to anyone considering acts of vandalism against Nigeria’s critical infrastructure: You will be caught, and you will face the full wrath of the law.
With increasing investment in rail transport under President Bola Tinubu, protecting these assets must remain a national priority. The NRC’s promise to punish offenders, regardless of rank or affiliation, is a welcome development—and one that should be backed by action, not just words.
As Dr. Kayode Opeifa rightly said, “Railway assets are national assets.” And in a country working hard to rebuild its infrastructure, such assets must be protected at all costs.
