The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has disclosed that the preliminary report on the derailment of the Abuja-Kaduna train service, which occurred on August 26, 2025, will be ready in the next 23 days.
Director-general of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jnr., while giving update on the investigation so far, said it takes the NSIB 30 days to release preliminary report after an incident or accident and having spent one week already, the preliminary report will be ready in the next three weeks.
He, however, called for more funding in order to expand the NSIB capacity to fund such investigations, noting that funding is always a challenge when it comes to investigation.
While giving details of the investigation so far, Captain Badeh Jnr said: “On 26 August 2025 at approximately 11:07 hours, a passenger train operating the Abuja–Kaduna service (AK1), registration CDD5C2 2701, derailed at Asham Train Station on the Abuja–Kaduna rail line. The train was operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
“The train consisted of eight passenger coaches with one locomotive at the front and one at the rear. It departed Idu Station, Abuja, at 09:45 hours and stopped at Kubwa Station at 10:04 hours before continuing its journey.
“Shortly after passing a track changing point (switch/turnout) at Asham Station, five coaches (SC00 6T, SC00 8T, SC00 10T, E00 2S, and EB00 2S) derailed. The forward locomotive (CDD5C2 2701) and two coaches (SC002T, SC004T) overturned, while the rear locomotive (CDD5C1 W0004) and the last coach (SE00 2S) remained on the rail track.
“There were 583 persons on board, including crew. An eyewitness reported that approximately 50 passengers may have been injured, though many were taken away by their families. Official records confirmed 12 persons sustained minor to moderate injuries. No fatalities recorded. The injured received first aid treatment and were transported to medical facilities for further examination. The NRC emergency team, supported by station military personnel and other security agencies, secured the site.
“The derailment resulted in significant damage to the track, sleepers, and switching mechanism. Services on the Abuja–Kaduna–Abuja corridor were temporarily suspended to allow for recovery and repairs.”
The NSIB boss further noted that, “In accordance with the Railways (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Regulation 2024, established under the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) (Establishment) Act 2022, the NSIB has been notified and has instituted an independent investigation into this railway occurrence. The NSIB, as Nigeria’s designated Accident Investigation Authority (the ‘Bureau’), is responsible for conducting investigations into railway accidents and incidents with the primary objective of preventing future occurrences. This process focuses on gathering and analysing information, determining causes and contributing factors (such as actions, omissions, events, or conditions that led to or increased the probability of the derailment), and issuing safety recommendations. The identification of causes or contributing factors does not imply assignment of fault, blame, or liability (administrative, civil, or criminal).
“The investigation is conducted independently of any judicial, administrative, or other proceedings, ensuring impartiality.
“The derailment of train AK1 at Asham Station on 26 August 2025 caused injuries to passengers, damage to railway infrastructure, and disruption of services along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor. While emergency response and evacuation efforts were effectively managed, the occurrence underscores the importance of a comprehensive, independent safety investigation under the NSIB Regulation. Findings from the ongoing investigation will inform the development of safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences and enhancing railway safety in Nigeria. The NSIB is committed to transparency, with further updates issued as new information becomes available, including any interim statements or the Final Report.”
