By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Intercepted truck carrying vandalised railway track. Photo Credit: NSCDC Bauchi Command. |
BAUCHI, NIGERIA — In a major blow to infrastructure vandals, the Bauchi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intercepted a massive haul of stolen railway tracks and arrested five suspects.
The high-stakes operation reveals the lengths criminals will go to sabotage national assets for profit.
The breakthrough occurred on January 12, 2026, when NSCDC operatives, acting on high-level intelligence, flagged down a long-haul truck (Registration No: MDB 360 XA) along the Miri–Jos Road near Gital town.
While the truck appeared to be transporting a routine shipment of poultry feed, a thorough search uncovered a more sinister cargo. Concealed beneath the bags of chicken feed were 80 pieces of vandalized railway tracks and slippers. Investigators believe the shipment was destined for the eastern parts of the country to be sold on the black market.
Five individuals are currently in custody, representing a cross-country syndicate. The suspects have been identified as: Adam Kolo (42) from Borno State, Samuel Musa (44) from Yobe State, Solomon Jankaro (40) from Niger State, Emmanuel Collins (26) and Sunday David (20), both from Enugu State
In addition to the truck and the railway components, the NSCDC seized a Lexus RX 330 (Registration No: BWR 60 DN) believed to be linked to the operation. Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway for the alleged mastermind, identified simply as Mr. John, and the truck driver, Auwal, who both managed to flee the scene.
The Command’s proactive week didn't end with the railway interception. On January 14, 2026, officers apprehended Nura Abdullahi in the Wuntin Dada area of Bauchi for his involvement in a motorcycle theft ring.
Abdullahi confessed to purchasing stolen motorcycles and selling at least eight units to a contact in Plateau State for a total of ₦2.02 million. The NSCDC is currently tracking the remaining members of this syndicate to recover the stolen properties.
Bauchi State Commandant, Oloyede Nelson, praised his team’s vigilance and issued a clear ultimatum to criminals targeting public utilities.
"Our resolve to rid Bauchi State of vandals is unwavering. We will continue to protect critical national infrastructure and ensure that those who attempt to sabotage our collective progress face the full wrath of the law."
Commandant Nelson further urged residents to remain "eyes and ears" for security agencies, noting that timely information is the most powerful tool in dismantling criminal networks.