Eleven suspected railway vandals have been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Bauchi State Command.

The suspects were accused of stealing the tracks and sleepers while loading the stolen items in a truck.

The Commandant, Ilelaboye Oyejide who paraded the suspects on Saturday in Bauchi, said that the Corp also impounded the truckload of tracks. According to him, the suspects were arrested at two different occasions for various offenses related to the vandalization of national critical assets.

“Nine suspects were caught vandalising railway sleepers and cutting of rail in Zuli Village, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, with the assistance of the Nigerian Army.

“Two others were arrested for vandalising Bauchi State government properties, including removing windows and aluminum.”

The NSCDC commander vowed to investigate and prosecute the suspects to serve as a deterrent to others.

He emphasised the command’s mandate to protect national critical assets and infrastructure, warning parents and guardians not to allow their children to engage in such activities.

The Commandant reiterated that the arrested suspects and recovered materials are a significant breakthrough in the fight against vandalism in Bauchi State.

Oyejide, however, pledged to continue safeguarding critical infrastructure.