The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the immediate suspension of all train operations along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor following a derailment that occurred earlier today. The incident, which took place around 11 a.m. between Kubwa and Asham stations, left six passengers with minor injuries and triggered panic among commuters. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as several carriages went off track, forcing passengers to scramble for safety.
NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa confirmed the suspension during a press briefing in Abuja, stating that services will remain halted until investigations are concluded and safety is guaranteed. He emphasized that the trains had undergone routine maintenance and dismissed speculation about poor upkeep. Refunds have already been processed for all affected passengers.
Technical teams from the NRC, the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and other relevant agencies have been deployed to the site to determine the cause of the derailment. NSIB Director-General Alex Badeh Jr. expressed sympathy for the injured and assured the public of a transparent and thorough investigation. The Bureau’s inquiry will examine both immediate and systemic factors, with recommendations aimed at preventing future incidents.
The Abuja–Kaduna rail line is one of Nigeria’s busiest and most strategically important transport corridors. This latest disruption has reignited concerns about the safety and reliability of the service, which has previously faced challenges including security threats and infrastructure issues.
