Security operatives in Kaduna State have recovered 600 pieces of railway sleepers in Zonkwa, Zango Kataf Local Council, from a gang that vandalised the rail line.

However, no arrest was made by the police, who frustrated the vandals’ efforts in two separate operations at Sanzwan in Zonkwa.

The sleepers (blocks laid horizontally underneath tracks to hold rail lines in place at the correct gauge and form the backbone of rail travel) were loaded in a truck on the major road before the arrest.

Police spokesman, DSP Mohammed Jalige, stated, yesterday: “Following credible intelligence, personnel of the Kaduna State Police Command on June 22, 2023, about 10.30p.m., busted a gang of rail vandals. Unspecified number of persons came to Sanzwan in a DAF articulated vehicle with registration number DAL 172 YL and vandalised about 600 pieces of railway sleepers.

On receipt of the information, police personnel were quickly mobilised to the scene of the crime. Sighting the police, the suspects fled the scene and abandoned the vehicle meant to convey the vandalised items.”

According to him, no arrest was made, but the said vehicle was impounded with the sleepers.

He added: “On June 25, 2023, two additional trucks loaded with railway sleepers were equally recovered. Efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects, as investigation is in progress.

“The Commissioner of Police commended the gallant personnel for halting the vandals’ activities, while charging the public to always make credible information available to security agencies on time.”