The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismantled a major criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the theft, concealment and recycling of critical national infrastructure across parts of the country.
The operation followed the circulation of a viral video showing extensive vandalism of newly constructed Kaduna Kano railway tracks as well as existing rail lines. In response, the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, directed the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) and the Kaduna State Command to identify and apprehend those behind the criminal activities.
Acting on intelligence, operatives of the CG’s SIS, led by Commandant Apollos Dandaura and supported by the NSCDC Kaduna State Command, carried out a coordinated raid on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at the Kaduna branch of Inner Galaxy Steel Company located in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area.
Investigations revealed that the company allegedly operated under the guise of a scrap metal business while serving as a collection and processing centre for vandalised railway components, NNPC pipelines and Water Board installations.
According to the NSCDC, the syndicate purchased stolen railway tracks and industrial pipes from vandals before compressing them into scrap materials at the Kaduna facility to conceal their original identity. The processed materials were then transported to the company’s headquarters in Aba, Abia State, where they were reportedly melted and recycled into construction materials such as iron rods and nails for resale.
During the operation, 12 suspects were arrested, while large quantities of vandalised railway tracks, rail slippers and suspected NNPC and Water Board pipes valued at several billions of naira were recovered.
The NSCDC Commandant General commended Commandant Dandaura and his team for what he described as a professional and intelligence driven operation.
He warned that the Corps would continue to clamp down on individuals and companies involved in economic sabotage, stressing that no organisation found aiding the destruction of national assets would be spared.
“It is disturbing that some registered companies are creating markets for stolen infrastructure and encouraging vandalism. The Corps will ensure that every sponsor and collaborator linked to this criminal network is brought to justice,” he stated.
The facility belonging to Inner Galaxy Steel Company has since been sealed pending the conclusion of investigations, while the suspects are expected to be charged to court. The NSCDC also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support efforts aimed at protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure.