By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has condemned the increasing attacks on its train services along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor by suspected vandals and criminal elements, warning that the trend poses serious risks to passengers, personnel, and critical infrastructure.
The corporation disclosed that the latest incident occurred around Kilometer 177 on the corridor, where unidentified individuals reportedly gathered along the track and pelted stones at a moving train, damaging the windscreen of the leading locomotive.
According to the NRC, the incident is part of a growing pattern of attacks recorded over the past two weeks in multiple locations, including Gidan Busa/Sarki Gora Village in Kakau District, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The management said similar incidents have been reported in more than six locations along the route, further compounding operational challenges in one of the country’s busiest rail corridors.
It warned that the persistent attacks not only endanger lives and disrupt services but also amount to economic sabotage capable of undermining the Federal Government’s investments in the railway sector.
Despite the developments, the NRC said train operations have continued with enhanced safety measures and heightened vigilance by its personnel to ensure passenger safety.
The corporation commended the efforts of security agencies working alongside it to secure the rail corridor and protect railway assets, noting that collaboration remains key to addressing the threat.
It added that it is intensifying engagement with security operatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders to strengthen surveillance, identify perpetrators, and ensure they are brought to justice.
The NRC also called on residents living along railway corridors to support efforts to safeguard infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities and discouraging acts of vandalism.
The management cautioned that continued attacks could negatively impact service delivery if urgent and collective action is not taken.
The corporation reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safe, secure, and efficient train operations nationwide, assuring passengers that all necessary measures are being implemented to protect lives and assets.
