, Bauchi State Command, has intercepted a truck transporting a large consignment){kind=link}
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Bauchi State Command, has intercepted a truck transporting a large consignment of vandalised railway sleepers and apprehended three individuals believed to be connected to the crime. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb the activities of infrastructure vandals in the state.
This development was made known in a statement issued on Tuesday, January 24, 2025, by the spokesperson of the command, Assistant Superintendent of Corps (ASC) S.J. Yusuf. According to the statement, the suspects attempted to conceal the stolen railway materials beneath 210 bags of rice offals in an effort to evade detection by security operatives.
The arrest took place during a routine patrol conducted by NSCDC personnel in the early hours of Friday, June 20, 2025. At approximately 3:00 a.m., officers intercepted an articulated truck with registration number FGE 663XB. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the truck was loaded with a total of 371 vandalised railway sleepers, cleverly disguised with the rice by-products.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the railway materials were illegally removed from Gital Village, located in the Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The stolen items were allegedly being transported to Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, presumably for sale or further distribution.
Further inquiries have led investigators to identify one Bashir Bagobori, a native of Sokoto State, as the suspected mastermind and owner of the vandalised materials. While Bagobori is currently at large, NSCDC officials have assured that all efforts are being intensified to track him down and ensure he is brought to justice.
The three individuals currently in custody in connection with the crime include: Anas Danjuma, a 29-year-old man described as the owner’s representative; Malam Surajo, a 40-year-old man who served as the truck driver; and Alhaji Bille, a 22-year-old co-driver.
In addition to the railway sleepers, the NSCDC also recovered 210 bags of rice offals used as a cover, as well as the truck involved in the transportation.
While addressing journalists, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Oloyede Nelson Oyerinde, praised the vigilance and dedication of his officers in executing the operation. He highlighted the Corps’ unwavering commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure from acts of sabotage and vandalism.
Commandant Oyerinde reiterated the resolve of the NSCDC in Bauchi State to eliminate criminal elements targeting public infrastructure. He issued a stern warning to vandals and would-be offenders, urging them to desist from such illegal activities or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
Furthermore, he called on members of the public, particularly residents living in areas with key national assets, to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
He urged them to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities around their communities to the NSCDC or other law enforcement authorities.
Investigation into the case is ongoing, and the NSCDC has assured that all culprits involved will be brought to justice in accordance with the law.