Abuja-Kaduna Train Derailment: FEMD Urges Stronger Security, Maintenance Measures

By Chinedu Echianu

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has called for enhanced security and routine maintenance of the Abuja-Kaduna rail line following the derailment of a passenger train on Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred at about 11:09 a.m., roughly 49 kilometers between Kubwa and Asham, after the train departed Abuja around 9:45 a.m. en route to Kaduna. Passengers onboard were left shaken but emergency response teams quickly mobilized to the scene.

Confirming the derailment, the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) said it had activated emergency and security services to handle the situation.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the Acting Director General of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, commiserated with passengers while acknowledging the swift intervention of NRC operatives and first responders.

The statement signed by Nkechi Isa, Head, Public Affairs at FEMD stressed the need for the NRC to intensify efforts in ensuring the safety of rail transport through consistent track maintenance and heightened security measures.

“Beyond today’s response, there is a greater need to secure and maintain our rail tracks to prevent sabotage and guarantee the safety of lives,” Abdulrahman said.

The Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor, a critical link between Nigeria’s capital and the North-West, has faced several challenges in recent years ranging from insecurity to infrastructure setbacks. The FEMD’s fresh appeal underscores growing concerns over the safety of rail passengers on one of the nation’s busiest train routes.