NRC begins recovery after Abuja–Kaduna train derailment
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced significant progress in recovery and restoration efforts following the derailment of an Abuja–Kaduna bound train on August 26, 2025.
The disclosure was made on Wednesday in a statement signed by the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa.
The accident, which occurred between Kubwa and Asham stations, involved two locomotives and eight coaches. According to the statement, a total of 618 people were on board, including 583 passengers, 15 crew members, one medical personnel, eight cleaners, and 11 catering staff. All were safely evacuated from the scene.
However, the NRC confirmed that 20 passengers sustained varying degrees of injury, with nine reported to be in critical condition. The Corporation pledged full support to those affected, stressing that it takes full responsibility for the incident.
As part of recovery operations, engineers have successfully retrieved one locomotive and four coaches, which were moved to Idu Station for assessment using a newly constructed 100-meter track off the damaged line. Preparations are underway for the deployment of heavy equipment to recover the remaining locomotive and four coaches.
The Corporation has also established an Incident Desk to assist passengers and their families, providing dedicated phone lines for enquiries and regular updates. So far, 510 of the 583 passengers listed on the manifest have been contacted.
Dr. Opeifa expressed appreciation to the security agencies for their support in ensuring a safe and smooth recovery process. He also commended the media for their continued partnership during the challenging period.
The statement further acknowledged the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali, for visiting the accident site and commending the NRC recovery team.
Reassuring passengers and the general public, the NRC emphasized that all necessary measures are being taken to restore full train operations in the shortest possible time, with passenger safety and service reliability remaining its top priorities.
