NRC breaks silence over Abuja–Kaduna train derailment

By Kazeem Ugbodaga 

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the derailment of one of its Abuja–Kaduna passenger trains on Tuesday, assuring that all passengers are safe and evacuation efforts are underway.

In a statement issued by its Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, the NRC disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:09 a.m. near KM 49, between Kubwa Station and Asham Station, while the train was en route to Kaduna.

“The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirms a train derailment involving our Kaduna-bound AKTS train service at about 11:09am at KM 49 between Kubwa station and Asham station,” Opeifa said.

According to him, emergency rescue teams, medical personnel, and nearby hospitals had been swiftly mobilised to respond to the situation, while the “full complement of security” was already on ground.

He further explained that efforts were ongoing to move all passengers back to Abuja safely.

“We kindly urge the public to bear with us at this moment,” the NRC boss added.

The Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, one of the busiest in the country, has faced both security challenges and operational setbacks in recent years.

Sadly, this is not the first derailment along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor. In May 2024, a train derailed near Jere, Kaduna State, leaving passengers stranded but unhurt. The incident prompted an investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.

Beyond derailments, the Abuja–Kaduna route has endured more harrowing incidents. In March 2022, bandits attacked a passenger train near Katari, Kaduna, using explosives and firearms.

The tragic ambush resulted in the deaths of at least eight passengers and the kidnapping of up to 168 others. The incident underscored serious security lapses and led to a temporary suspension of rail operations.

The government resumed operations in December 2022 after an eight-month hiatus, amid concerns over the adequacy of protective measures. Questions remain about the speed and efficiency of updating security infrastructure along the high-risk corridor.