NRC warns of safety risks as vandals target Abuja–Kaduna trains

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has condemned what it described as repeated attacks on its train operations along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, calling for urgent community support to curb the menace.

In a press statement on Monday, the corporation said, “The Nigerian Railway Corporation has condemned in strong terms the increasing attacks on its train operations along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor by suspected vandals and criminal elements.”

It disclosed that the latest incident occurred around Kilometer 177 along the corridor, where some unknown persons reportedly gathered along the rail track and began pelting stones at a moving train, leading to damage to the windscreen of the leading locomotive.

The statement added that within the last two weeks, similar attacks had been recorded in other locations, including Gidan Busa/Sarki Gora Village in Kakau District, Chikun Local Government Area, noting that the development “is posing danger to railway operations, passengers, and operational personnel.”

The corporation further revealed that “similar incidents have so far been recorded in more than six locations along the corridor, thereby worsening the already challenging and stressful operational conditions under which the Corporation continues to provide essential transport services to Nigerians.”

The corporation warned that the “persistent attacks not only endanger lives and damage critical railway infrastructure but also constitute acts of economic sabotage capable of disrupting national transportation and undermining the huge investments of the Federal Government in the railway sector.”

It, however, assured that train operations have continued “with necessary safety precautions and strict operational vigilance by railway personnel who have continued to demonstrate commitment and professionalism in ensuring that passengers reach their destinations safely.”

The NRC also commended security operatives for their efforts, stating that they were “working tirelessly with the NRC to secure railway corridors and safeguard passengers and railway assets despite the persistent attacks.”

It added that it is “currently working closely with security agencies, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen surveillance along the corridor, identify the perpetrators, and bring them to justice.”

Calling for public support, the corporation urged residents along rail corridors to assist by reporting suspicious activities and discouraging acts of vandalism.

It warned that “continuous attacks on railway operations could negatively affect smooth service delivery if urgent collective action is not taken to curb the menace.”

The corporation reiterated its commitment to safe operations, assuring passengers that “every necessary measure is being taken to safeguard lives and railway assets.”

PUNCH Metro earlier reported that no fewer than 20 suspected railway vandals were arrested in 2025 as part of efforts to protect rail infrastructure nationwide.

Speaking on the role of the Railway Police Command, the Chief Public Relations Officer of the NRC, Callistus Unyimadu, had said, “If such incidents occur across the country, they fall within the purview of the Railway Police Command. Most of those cases, at times, if they are reported, do not get follow-up to allow proper documentation.

“But the ones that are actually communicated to them and whose records they have, for the period of last year, about 20 people were arrested,” noting that offenders are prosecuted and convicted once found guilty.