NRC Halts Abuja-Kaduna Train Services After Derailment

 The Nigerian Railway Corporation has suspended train operations on the Abuja-Kaduna route following a derailment, as investigations into the incident intensify.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation announced the indefinite suspension of train services on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor after a Kaduna-bound train derailed on August 26, 2025, near Kubwa and Asham stations. The incident, occurring around 11:09 a.m., caused panic among passengers, with emergency teams swiftly deployed to evacuate travelers back to Abuja. NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa confirmed that six passengers sustained minor injuries, now treated, and dismissed claims of poor train maintenance, emphasizing ongoing safety measures.

The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau has launched a probe to uncover the derailment’s cause, with investigators on-site gathering evidence. Opeifa noted that technical staff and security operatives are working to ensure safety, while ticket refunds have been initiated for affected passengers. The Abuja-Kaduna route, one of Nigeria’s busiest, has faced repeated disruptions, including a 2022 terrorist attack and a 2024 derailment, raising concerns about infrastructure reliability.

The suspension has sparked debates about rail safety, with some calling for urgent upgrades, while others praise the NRC’s swift response. The incident, testing Nigeria’s transportation resilience, underscores the need for robust maintenance and security. As investigations proceed, the NRC’s focus on passenger safety aims to restore confidence in a critical transport artery.