…NRC blames suspected track vandalism
The Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the derailment of the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) on Saturday evening, just days after it resumed operations on the route following a temporary suspension.
In a statement signed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Opeifa, the corporation said the incident occurred at about 7:30 pm at Kilometer 212 + 8 Meter, Agbor, involving two of the seven coaches of the train.
According to the NRC, preliminary investigation suggests the derailment may have been caused by suspected track vandalism.
“The management of the Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) wishes to inform the general public that a train derailment occurred yesterday at about 19:30 hours, involving two of the seven coaches of our Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) at Kilometer 212+8 Meter, Agbor.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident may have been caused by suspected track vandalism.
“We are pleased to confirm that all passengers on board the aircraft were safely evacuated to Agbor, and all have been fully accounted for. There were no casualties or injuries.
“Our recovery team, supported by security personnel, has been on site since last night carrying out recovery operations. These efforts are making steady progress and are expected to be completed soon.
“As a precautionary measure, train services on the corridor have been temporarily suspended today to enable a comprehensive safety audit of the track and associated infrastructure,” the statement said.
The NRC said its recovery team, supported by security personnel, had been on site since Saturday night, carrying out recovery operations which are making steady progress.
As a precautionary measure, the Corporation announced temporary suspension of train services along the corridor to enable a comprehensive safety and security audit of the track and associated infrastructure.
“We regret any inconvenience this may cause to our valued passengers and the general public. Normal operations will resume as soon as it is proven safe,” the statement said.
The derailment comes less than a week after the NRC was scheduled to resume the Warri-Itakpe train service on October 29, 2025, following a temporary suspension to carry out critical repairs, maintenance and system checks.
The Corporation had at that time assured passengers of its new commitment to provide safe, reliable and efficient rail services across the country.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Railways Corporation has expressed fresh concern over the increasing vandalism of its electrical and signaling installations along major corridors including Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna and Warri-Itakpe. The corporation described the attacks as a major threat to safe and efficient train operations.
Confirming the arrest of the two suspects in Kaduna, the NRC said Ibrahim Abdullahi (22), of Hayi, Rigasa, and Sani Ibrahim (24), of Leigh Turaki, Rigasa, were apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Police, Railway Command attached to the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) for sabotaging cables at the Rigasa Train Station area.
On October 10, 2025, the suspects were caught after a cable wire went missing from one of the NRC's cranes deployed within the Rigasa facility. Acting on intelligence, a patrol team led by ASP Abdullahi Bwajin traced them and arrested them.
During interrogation, he confessed to selling the stolen cable to a buyer named “Musa Major” for ₦90,000 while another accomplice of his, Abdulwahab Yakub, is also currently at large.
NRC appreciated the Railway Command for prompt action and assured that all perpetrators of such acts will face the full extent of the law.
Also read: NRC opens Abuja-Kaduna train platform for ticket payment
OPEIFA expressed deep concern over the repeated incidents of sabotage, describing the railway electrical and signaling systems as critical national assets.
He warned that in future criminals will be treated as economic saboteurs with serious legal consequences.
He also appealed to members of the public, especially residents of railway host communities to cooperate with security agencies in securing the rail infrastructure.
“The railway system is a catalyst for community development and better livelihoods. Protecting it is a collective responsibility,” OPEIFA said.
