NSCDC Seals Steel Firms Over Alleged Railway Vandalism, Terror Financing Links
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has secured a court order sealing all branches of Inner Galaxy Steel Company and Jiuxing Integrity Industrial Ltd nationwide over alleged involvement in the vandalism of critical national infrastructure and other criminal activities.
The development marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to combat economic sabotage, infrastructure theft and alleged support for criminal networks.
According to the NSCDC, suspects linked to the case are being investigated for multiple offences, including conspiracy and theft, destruction of railway infrastructure, endangering public safety, concealment of stolen property and alleged support for terrorism-related activities.
Acting on valid court orders and search warrants, operatives of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’S SIS) carried out an operation at the companies’ facility in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Corps disclosed that railway sleepers and tracks recovered during the operation were secured and transferred to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for preservation as exhibits for prosecution.
According to preliminary findings, statements obtained from arrested staff allegedly indicated the existence of a coordinated logistics chain through which vandalised railway materials were transported to company facilities in different parts of the country for processing.
Investigators alleged that the recovered materials were melted and recycled into commercial products such as roofing sheets and nails.
Following the operation, the NSCDC said the investigation and closure orders have been extended to the companies’ headquarters located at Ahala Ukwa Village, Umuahala Community, Obuzor Ukwu in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, as well as another operational hub in Tasha Rawayyah, Gusau, Zamfara State, alongside other branches nationwide.
The Corps further disclosed that Chinese nationals linked to the management of the companies have been invited for questioning but are yet to honour the invitation.
Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, directed the Commandant of the CG’S Special Intelligence Squad, Appollos Dandaura, to ensure thorough and professional handling of the investigation.
“Every single suspect found culpable in this bleeding of our nation’s commonwealth will face the full wrath of the law. The NSCDC remains fiercely committed to reducing infrastructure vandalism to the absolute minimum,” the Commandant General said.
The Corps also appreciated the judiciary for granting the necessary legal instruments and called on members of the public to continue providing credible information to assist in tackling infrastructure vandalism and related crimes across the country.
NSCDC Seals Steel Firms Over Alleged Railway Vandalism, Terror Financing Links