By MOHAMMAD TIJJANI

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps says it has commenced a major enforcement operation against Inner Galaxy Steel Company over alleged involvement in vandalism and recycling of railway infrastructure and other critical national assets.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this during a press briefing on Sunday at the company’s premises in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Afolabi said suspects earlier arrested in connection with the case were being investigated for alleged offences bordering on conspiracy to commit felony, intentional endangering of railway passengers, obstruction and damage of railway infrastructure, theft, concealment of stolen property, and alleged financing of terrorism.

According to him, the operation followed the successful arrest of suspects and recovery of vandalised railway materials from the facility.

He said the Corps subsequently obtained a valid court order and search warrant authorising the sealing of the premises and transfer of all recovered railway sleepers and tracks to the Nigerian Railway Corporation as exhibits for prosecution.

“The facility will remain sealed pending the conclusion of investigations,” he said.

Afolabi further disclosed that the court order also covered the sealing of other facilities linked to Inner Galaxy Steel Company and Jiuxing Integrity Industrial Ltd. in Abia and Zamfara states, as well as any other branches nationwide connected to the investigation.

He said some arrested staff members allegedly confessed that vandalised railway materials and other critical national infrastructure items were usually transported to the company’s facilities for melting and recycling into products such as nails and roofing sheets.

The Corps also said Chinese nationals linked to the matter had been summoned but were yet to appear before investigators.

The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, urged members of the public to continue supporting the Corps with credible information to curb acts of vandalism and economic sabotage.

Audi directed the Commandant in charge of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), Appollos Dandaura, and other operatives handling the case to ensure diligence and professionalism throughout the investigation.

He assured that all suspects found culpable would face prosecution in accordance with the law.

The NSCDC boss reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure across the country and reducing vandalism to the barest minimum.

The Corps also commended the judiciary for granting the court order and appreciated members of the media for supporting efforts to expose economic crimes and safeguard national assets. (NAN)

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