Troops belonging to the 1st Division of the Nigerian Army based in Kaduna have apprehended 47 individuals suspected of vandalizing railway tracks. The incident took place during a routine patrol along the Kakau Daji-Anguwan Ayaba route in Chikun Local Government Area on June 26, 2024. Allegedly, the suspects were caught red-handed loading vandalized rail tracks onto two trucks under the employment of an elusive figure named Alhaji Babawo.
During the parading of the suspects at the 312 Artillery Regiment Kaduna, Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Iko Rena, Acting Commander of the 1st Division Provost Group, disclosed that each suspect underwent individual interrogation. Efforts are currently underway to apprehend the gang leader who managed to flee. At the scene of the crime, concealed rail tracks were discovered in a nearby bush, awaiting transport by the suspects.
Upon handing over the suspects to the authorities of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Kaduna Station, Lieutenant Colonel Rena urged relevant security agencies to enhance efforts in safeguarding railway infrastructure against further vandalism. During the handover ceremony, ASP Inuwa Dahiru, representing the Nigeria Railway Corporation and serving as Divisional Crime Officer, praised the proactive measures of the Nigerian Army. He assured thorough investigation of all 47 suspects before proceeding with legal actions to deter similar criminal activities.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, spokesperson for the 1st Division, highlighted that Major General MLD Saraso, the General Officer Commanding 1st Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation, commended the troops for their exemplary conduct throughout the arrest operation. He urged continued resilience and focus in combating criminal elements within the Division’s operational jurisdiction.
