The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the successful and safe evacuation of 618 passengers who were on board a train that derailed along the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday evening, triggered widespread concern, but authorities have assured the public that no fatalities were recorded and that all individuals on board have been accounted for.
According to the NRC’s management, the derailment involved a Kaduna-bound passenger train which suffered a technical fault, leading to the dislodgement of several coaches from the rail track. The corporation revealed that as soon as the incident was reported, emergency response teams were swiftly mobilised to the scene to facilitate the evacuation process and ensure the safety of all passengers.
The Managing Director of the NRC, Mr. Fidet Okhiria, stated that the rescue operation was carried out with efficiency and professionalism, involving a combined team of railway staff, security operatives, medical personnel, and emergency responders. He noted that although the situation was distressing, the absence of casualties was a testament to the prompt and coordinated response of relevant agencies.
Okhiria also explained that preliminary investigations are already underway to determine the exact cause of the derailment, with engineers and safety inspectors dispatched to assess the affected section of the rail line. He assured the public that necessary repairs would commence immediately to restore normal rail services and prevent future occurrences.
He further stressed that while train travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, the NRC is not taking any chances. The corporation is reviewing its safety protocols, maintenance routines, and operational standards to strengthen confidence among commuters and stakeholders.
Passengers who were on board during the incident have commended the swift action of the rescue team, with many describing the evacuation process as orderly and well-coordinated. Some passengers, however, called on the government to invest more in rail infrastructure and modern safety technology to minimise technical faults and mechanical failures.
This is not the first time Nigeria’s rail transport system has faced operational setbacks. In recent years, the Abuja-Kaduna route, in particular, has been in the spotlight following a series of challenges ranging from security threats to mechanical faults. Despite these concerns, the corridor remains one of the most patronised rail lines in the country, transporting thousands of Nigerians weekly.
The NRC has reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and called for continued cooperation from the public. Meanwhile, operations on other unaffected routes continue as scheduled, pending further updates from the technical team handling the site of the derailment.
