Rising Rail Vandalism Threatens Passenger Safety, NRC Warns

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised an alarm over a surge in attacks on train operations along the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor, warning that the trend poses a growing threat to passenger safety and critical rail infrastructure.

The Corporation condemned the incidents, which it attributed to suspected vandals and criminal elements, noting that the latest attack occurred around Kilometre 177, where individuals reportedly gathered along the track and pelted stones at a moving train, damaging the windscreen of the leading locomotive.

NRC management disclosed that similar attacks have been recorded at multiple points along the corridor within the past two weeks, including Gidan Busa/Sarki Gora Village in Kakau District, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, among others.

According to the Corporation, no fewer than six locations have experienced such incidents, exacerbating operational challenges and increasing risks for passengers and railway personnel.

The NRC stressed that the persistent attacks not only endanger lives but also amount to economic sabotage capable of disrupting national transportation and undermining government investments in the railway sector.

Despite the development, the Corporation said train services have continued under strict safety measures and heightened vigilance by railway personnel committed to ensuring passengers reach their destinations safely.

The NRC also commended the efforts of security agencies working to secure the rail corridor and protect passengers and infrastructure, even as it intensified collaboration with stakeholders to curb the menace.

Management said it is engaging security operatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders to strengthen surveillance, identify perpetrators, and bring them to justice.

The Corporation called on residents and communities along railway corridors to support ongoing efforts by reporting suspicious activities and discouraging acts of vandalism.

It warned that continued attacks could disrupt service delivery if urgent and collective action is not taken, reiterating its commitment to safe, secure, and efficient rail operations nationwide.