No fewer than 47 suspects have been arrested by troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna for allegedly vandalizing rail tracks.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Saturday, the Nigerian Army Headquarters said the operation was carried out on June 26, 2024, during a routine patrol along Kakau Daji- Anguwan Ayaba.
The statement said the suspects, who had loaded two trucks with the vandalized rail tracks prior to their arrest, alleged that they were employed by one Alhaji Babawo.
According to the suspects, Alhaji Babawo who is currently at large, was to load the vandalized rail tracks and off-load them in a nearby bush along the road.
Parading the criminal elements during profiling at 312 Artillery Regiment Kaduna, the Acting Commander 1 Division Provost Group, Lt Col IY Rena stated that the suspects were profiled to ascertain their level of involvement during the preliminary investigation.
He further stated that the suspects were also individually interviewed and cross-examined while efforts were being made to arrest the gang leader who is on the run.
Lt Col Rena revealed that, on a visit to the crime scene, some of the vandalized rail tracks were found concealed in the nearby bushes waiting to be evacuated by the criminal syndicates.
The suspects were later handed over to the Authorities of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Kaduna Station for further investigation and prosecution.