NSIB releases findings on Abuja–Kaduna train mishap

The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary findings on the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment that occurred on August 26, 2025, at Asham Station in Kaduna State.

According to the bureau, 21 passengers sustained injuries in the incident, but no fatalities were recorded.

The train, a locomotive with registration number CDD5c2 2701, had departed Idu Station in Abuja at 9:45 a.m. with 618 passengers, including crew, security personnel, and service staff, before the mishap occurred.

“At about 11:09 a.m., shortly after passing a manually operated switch point at Asham Station, the forward locomotive and adjoining coaches derailed and overturned,” NSIB confirmed in its statement.

The bureau said its preliminary report, which contains early findings and safety recommendations, has been published and is available on its website. It added that the final report would present detailed conclusions and additional recommendations aimed at improving rail safety across the country.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) had earlier linked the derailment to human error, citing “excessive speeding” and “misapplication of the emergency braking system.”

The NRC confirmed that engineers had re-railed and recovered the affected coaches and locomotives, which were moved to designated workshops for further assessment. It added that repairs on the main line have been completed, allowing operations to resume, while work continues on the secondary track.

The corporation also assured passengers that train services would not fully recommence until all safety procedures and infrastructure checks were cleared.

The Abuja–Kaduna corridor, one of the busiest rail lines in Nigeria, has faced multiple disruptions in recent years, raising safety concerns among commuters.