The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kano State has arrested a 22-year-old suspect accused of vandalising railway infrastructure linked to the Federal Government’s Kaduna-Kano standard gauge railway project.
The suspect, identified as Sani Ismail from Kuya village in Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was apprehended in Kiru Local Government Area of Kano following intelligence-led operations by NSCDC operatives.
According to the command, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly removed eleven rail line clips installed on the railway project currently under construction.
Authorities said the railway materials were part of the ongoing Kaduna-Kano rail development initiative aimed at improving transportation infrastructure across northern Nigeria.
The NSCDC disclosed that a hammer believed to have been used in removing the railway clips was recovered from the suspect during the operation.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, SC Ibrahim Idris Abdullahi, officials described the arrest as part of broader efforts to protect critical national assets from sabotage and vandalism.
The command also confirmed the arrest of two additional suspects accused of impersonating civil defence personnel in Kano State.
The suspects, Yusuf Usman and Muhd Auwal, both 22 years old and residents of Kawo Jirga in Nassarawa Local Government Area, were allegedly posing as NSCDC volunteers despite not being registered with the organisation.
Investigators said the pair operated from a location branded with the NSCDC logo, where they allegedly intimidated and maltreated a social media comedian.
According to the NSCDC, investigations into the impersonation case have been concluded and legal proceedings against the suspects are expected to commence.
The command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure and cracking down on individuals involved in impersonation, vandalism and other criminal activities across the state.
