NRC Issues Update On Train Derailment

 

 

...recovery achieved 7 days after incident 

OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos 

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has issued a press release to inform the general public on the progress 

made in the management of passenger tracing, the injured, recovering its rolling stock, and 

restoration of the tracks following the derailment incident involving the Abuja–Kaduna bound 

train.

The release is in reference to the derailment of the Abuja–Kaduna train which occured on the 26 of August 2025, involving a locomotive and several coaches between Kubwa and Asham stations.

The statement reads; "As at Tuesday 2, September 2025, seven days after the incident, NRC engineers have 

successfully recovered a locomotive and four coaches out of two locomotives and eight DMU coaches, which have been railed to Idu Station for assessment using the newly constructed 100-

meter track off the damaged line. 

"Site preparation has commenced for the deployment of heavy 

equipment to recover the remaining four coaches and an additional locomotive.

A total of 618 persons were onboard the ill-fated train, comprising 583 passengers, 15 NRC crew members, 1 medical personnel, 8 cleaners, and 11 catering staff. All individuals were safely 

evacuated.

"Unfortunately, while 7 were reported as critically injured, passenger tracing conducted 

by the NRC medical team established that 20 persons sustained various degrees of injury, out of which 9 were reported critical. The Corporation takes full responsibility for the incident and is 

actively supporting those affected." The statement reads.

Adding, "To aid affected passengers, the NRC set up an Incident Desk to handle enquiries and provide regular updates through dedicated phone lines: Queen – 0703 645 2228, Lilian – 0703 199 

3211, and Abubakar – 0803 659 3212. So far, the Corporation has been able to reach 510 out of the 583 passengers listed on the train manifest."

The Managing Director of NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, expressed appreciation to the security agencies 

deployed to the accident site for their vital role in ensuring a smooth, safe, and disruption-free recovery process. He also acknowledged the media as a critical partner and extended sincere gratitude for their continued support during this challenging period.

Furthermore, the Management appreciates the visit of the Honourable Minister of Transportation, 

Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali, who inspected the site and commended the recovery efforts of the 

NRC team.

The NRC reassure its esteemed passengers and the general public that every necessary 

measure is being taken to restore full train operations in the shortest possible time. Passenger safety and service reliability remain the Corporation’s topmost priorities.