By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, has apprehended a 24-year-old man for allegedly vandalising a railway track.

The suspect, identified as Olalekan Kehinde, a resident of Abidogun area, Ota-Efun, Osogbo, Osun State, was reportedly apprehended by operatives of Amotekun, who acted on credible intelligence.

The State Commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo, confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect was caught in the act of vandalising the railway track following a tip-off from a concerned citizen.

According to Sotiyo, a discreet investigation revealed that on Sunday, 17 November 2024, Olalekan Kehinde and his accomplice, Abbey—who is currently at large—vandalised a railway track at Dagbolu. The duo used a hammer to remove Pandrol clips from the track.

On 18 November 2024, they were again caught vandalising the railway at Dagbolu. While Kehinde was arrested on the spot, his accomplice fled and remains at large.

In his confessional statement, Kehinde revealed that Abbey had taught him how to remove the Pandrol clips from railway tracks. He admitted that they sold the stolen items to metal scrap buyers in the state.

“My friend, who is now at large, taught me how to remove the Pandrol clips. Both of us used to sell them to metal scrap buyers in the state,” the suspect confessed.

Commandant Sotiyo expressed concern over the rising cases of vandalism of national assets. He warned metal scrap buyers in the state to desist from purchasing stolen materials, stating that his men would carry out routine operations at scrap yards. Anyone found culpable would face the full wrath of the law.

He also commended members of the public for their vigilance, noting that the arrest was made possible through the efforts of Dagbolu residents. Sotiyo urged the public to provide more intelligence to help ensure the state remains safe for everyone.