NSIB Gives Preliminary Report on Train Derailment at Abuja–Kaduna Route. Urges for Patience with  investigation process

Oru Leonard

The Director General/ Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Capt Alex Badeh Jnr, has called for patience and tolerance for the investigation of the rail incident that occurred recently between the Abuja- Kaduna Railway axis.

Badeh made the appeal during a press briefing update to update the public on the incident.

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 person sustain 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 is conducting a thorough investigation, including:
-Detailed Inspection: Site, switch, track geometry, and infrastructure inspection
– Review of Records: NRC records, crew, station, control, maintenance, and operational data review
– Technical Examination: Locomotives, coaches, and other rolling stock examination
– Interviews: Crew, staff, responders, passengers, and witnesses will be interviewed.

The NSIB has reinstated its commitment to transparency and  providing regular updates as new information becomes available