NRC counters Transport ministry on Warri-Itakpe train crash passenger list, casualties

Conflicting accounts have emerged over the passenger manifest of the Warri–Itakpe train that derailed near Agbor, Delta State, as the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) contradicted the Federal Ministry of Transportation’s claim that Senator Ede Dafinone and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah, were among those on board.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funsho Adebiyi, identified Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, and Ukah as notable passengers on the train when the accident occurred on Monday.

But the NRC swiftly refuted the claim, insisting that neither Dafinone nor Ukah travelled on the ill-fated train. According to the corporation, both men arrived after the incident and played key roles in coordinating emergency response and rescue efforts.

“The Nigerian Railway Corporation wishes to clarify that contrary to an earlier statement, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, and former Secretary to the Delta State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, were not passengers on board the Warri–Itakpe Train Service involved in the accident near Agbor,” the NRC said in a statement signed by its Managing Director  Dr. Kayode Opeifa.

“Both distinguished individuals rather greatly assisted in the mobilisation of first responders and other emergency personnel who participated in the rescue operations following the incident,” the statement added.

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The corporation expressed regret over the error and apologised for any embarrassment caused to the two prominent Delta figures, while commending their swift intervention during the rescue operation.

Beyond the disagreement over the passenger list, there were also discrepancies in casualty figures. While the Ministry of Transportation reported that four people — two adult women, one adult man and an infant — lost their lives in the accident, the NRC had earlier announced that three passengers died in the derailment.

According to the ministry, the train carried a total of 482 persons, comprising 442 ticketed passengers and 40 crew members, security personnel and third-party service providers. It added that 24 passengers sustained serious injuries, while several others suffered varying degrees of injuries and are receiving treatment in medical facilities around Agbor.

Adebiyi said emergency rescue operations involving the Delta State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other responders were immediately activated and concluded by about 6:30 p.m. on Monday.

The ministry and the NRC said investigations have commenced to determine the cause of the derailment, one of the most serious accidents recorded on the strategic rail corridor in recent years.

The incident comes barely weeks after the NRC suspended operations on the Warri–Itakpe route for 72 hours following a major technical disruption that stranded passengers for several hours, raising concerns about safety, maintenance standards and emergency response preparedness on the line.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the accident and is seeking compensation for affected passengers.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, who described the Warri–Itakpe corridor as a critical transportation link connecting Delta, Edo and Kogi states.

NRC counters Transport ministry on Warri-Itakpe train crash passenger list, casualties

Nigeria-US Joint Strikes Eliminate 21 ISWAP Fighters in Borno – Presidency

The Presidency has described the security partnership between Nigeria and the United States as a crucial step towards ending terrorism, banditry and other security threats across the country. The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, stated this on Tuesday during an X Space discussion. According to Dare, intelligence sharing, security cooperation and joint counter-terrorism efforts between Nigeria and the United States are essential in dismantling insurgent groups and criminal networks operating within the region. He said the Tinubu administration remains committed to restoring peace nationwide, protecting lives and property, and defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity against both internal and external threats. Dare noted that the expanding collaboration between the two countries demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing security challenges through coordinated operations, intelligence-led strategies and capacity-building initiatives. The growing security partnership has already yielded significant operational results. According to the Defence Headquarters, the collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has led to intelligence sharing, joint operations and capacity building aimed at defeating terrorism in the country. The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed during the same X Space discussion that the partnership has significantly enhanced intelligence sharing, capacity building, training, strategic communication, logistics support and operational effectiveness in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign.

Recent collaborative efforts have contributed to improved intelligence-driven operations leading to the disruption of terrorist networks. The Defence Headquarters reported “the neutralization of several high-value terrorist commanders and about 200 fighters, the destruction of terrorist enclaves and logistics infrastructure, as well as enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.” The partnership has also strengthened the operational readiness of Nigerian troops through specialized training programmes, intelligence fusion initiatives, joint planning engagements and professional military education. In a significant development, the strategic partnership has led to the elimination of a senior global ISIS leader operating from within Nigeria. AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, Colonel Rebecca Heyse, disclosed that operations conducted jointly by Nigerian and US forces led to the elimination of ISIS global second-in-command, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, alongside several key operational and media leaders. She confirmed that more than 200 ISIS fighters were eliminated during these operations, while terrorist checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs and training sites were destroyed.

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The nature of the security cooperation has evolved significantly. For years, US-Nigeria security cooperation focused primarily on capacity building, including training Nigerian troops, donating equipment, and sharing general intelligence. Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, that partnership has entered a more operational phase, with emphasis shifting to real-time intelligence fusion, precision strikes, and the targeting of high-value terrorist commanders. This shift was dramatically demonstrated in late May 2026 when a joint precision operation in Arege, Borno State, eliminated 21 ISWAP fighters in a strike coordinated by the Nigerian Air Force and US Africa Command. Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets had observed terrorists assembling in Arege for possible attacks, leading to an operation where data was fused with US AFRICOM satellite imagery and signals intelligence. All 21 targets were neutralised with no civilian casualties reported, demonstrating improved targeting, better coordination, and reduced collateral damage.

The strengthened security cooperation is underpinned by sustained high-level diplomatic engagements. In January 2026, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, hosted a high-level US delegation led by Allison Hooker for a strategic security parley. The meeting, attended by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the US, Service Chiefs and Heads of the Intelligence Community, focused on enhancing the fight against insurgency, strengthening community protection mechanisms and consolidating intelligence cooperation between both nations. Both delegations agreed on the importance of sustaining and deepening bilateral ties, particularly through leveraging US support in key areas such as defence articles, capacity building and training, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism financing measures, and mutual legal assistance. The US-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework, established following the partnership’s intensification, now serves as the primary mechanism for coordinating joint counter-terrorism operations.

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The United States has demonstrated its commitment through substantial logistical and material support. AFRICOM has announced the delivery of military supplies to Nigerian partners in Abuja, with the command stating that “this delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasises our shared security partnership.” While specific details of the equipment transferred were not disclosed, the delivery comes against the backdrop of intensified Nigerian military operations targeting terrorist networks across multiple regions. Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar has clarified the nature of the joint operations, stating that “it’s Nigeria that provided the intelligence” for recent strikes and confirming that President Tinubu “gave the go-ahead” for the operations. Tuggar emphasized that these are joint operations and “not targeting any religion nor simply in the name of one religion or the other.” He indicated that further strikes are expected, describing the cooperation as “an on-going thing.”

Responding to questions about the partnership’s impact on national sovereignty, AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, Colonel Rebecca Heyse, stated that US cooperation with Nigeria is based on mutual interests and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty. “Our operations and cooperation with Nigeria are rooted in fundamental respect for Nigerian sovereignty,” she said. “We operate strictly by invitation and under the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework.” According to her, the United States will continue to support Nigeria as long as both countries consider the partnership beneficial in addressing shared security threats. “As long as there are shared security threats and the framework continues to be of value to both countries, the United States remains committed to the partnership,” she added.

Major General Uba emphasized that Nigeria is pursuing a whole-of-society approach involving religious leaders, traditional institutions, civil society groups, government agencies and economic empowerment programmes to address the root causes of radicalisation. “Terrorism cannot be defeated by kinetic (military offensives) means alone,” he stated. “Non-kinetic measures such as community engagement, economic empowerment, strategic communication and the involvement of religious and traditional leaders are equally important.” This comprehensive strategy has yielded measurable results. Since 2023, over 104,000 former Boko Haram terrorists and dependents have surrendered under Operation Safe Corridor, with many citing sustained pressure and loss of commanders as reasons for laying down arms. Civilian deaths from insurgency in the Lake Chad region have fallen from 1,842 in 2022 to 623 in 2024, representing a 66 per cent drop.

The presidential aide also expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation and fake news on digital platforms, warning that such content could weaken national security and erode public trust. He cautioned that the circulation of unverified information could heighten social tensions, trigger unrest and create unnecessary panic among citizens. “The deliberate spread of false information can create unnecessary panic, provoke disorder and threaten national cohesion. Nigerians must remain vigilant and avoid becoming tools in the dissemination of content capable of destabilising the country,” he said. He urged citizens, media organisations and social media users to verify information before sharing it, stressing that responsible communication is essential for maintaining peace, unity and confidence in democratic institutions. Dare further emphasized that national security should not be viewed as the sole responsibility of government agencies, adding that the media, civil society groups and citizens all have critical roles to play in protecting the country.

The Nigeria-US security partnership has evolved from a training-focused relationship to a robust operational alliance delivering tangible results against terrorist networks. With high-level diplomatic backing, substantial US logistical support, and respect for Nigerian sovereignty maintained through the Joint Working Group framework, both nations appear committed to deepening cooperation as they confront evolving security challenges in West Africa and the wider Sahel region. The evidence is clear: intelligence sharing, joint operations and real-time coordination are saving lives and degrading terrorist capabilities. As the partnership continues to mature, security analysts remain optimistic about the prospects for restoring peace and stability across Nigeria.

Nigeria-US Joint Strikes Eliminate 21 ISWAP Fighters in Borno – Presidency

Xenophobic: Nigeria Considers Retaliatory Action Against South Africa

Nigeria may review aspects of its diplomatic and economic relationship with South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have targeted Nigerians and other African migrants.

The warning was issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.

The minister accused South African authorities of failing to respond adequately to growing incidents of violence, intimidation and destruction of property affecting Nigerians in South Africa.

According to her, many Nigerians who are legally resident in South Africa have become victims of harassment, while businesses owned by Nigerians have been looted and set ablaze.

“Our citizens are being harassed. Our citizens’ properties are being looted. Criminal actions are being perpetrated, and the police refuse to do anything. The South African government has not come out strongly and firmly enough to condemn these incidents,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu dismissed allegations that Nigerians affected by the attacks were undocumented migrants, insisting that many of them operate legitimate businesses and reside legally in the country.

She noted that some Nigerian-owned shops had been looted and burned, while children of Nigerian families were reportedly unable to attend school due to intimidation and fear.

The minister also expressed disappointment over what she described as South Africa’s failure to acknowledge Nigeria’s historical support during the anti-apartheid struggle.

She recalled that Nigeria committed significant financial and diplomatic resources to South Africa’s liberation efforts and provided educational opportunities for South African students during the apartheid era.

“Nigeria sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence. Nigeria committed funds, committed resources. In schools, seats were reserved for South African students. Nigerians are not happy about how they have been treated,” she stated.

She further argued that the latest attacks appeared to be specifically directed at Black African migrants.

“They are not asking other migrants to leave. They are only asking Black migrants to leave,” she said.

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The minister also confirmed that the Federal Government is considering reciprocal measures against South African interests operating in Nigeria. According to her, discussions on possible retaliatory actions are already underway at the highest levels of government.

“That is a situation that we are considering. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government. But it is not off the table,” she said.

Her comments have intensified concerns about the future of Nigeria-South Africa relations, especially as tensions continue to rise over the treatment of Nigerian nationals in the Southern African country.

Meanwhile, the latest unrest has triggered a surge in requests for voluntary repatriation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that 1,094 Nigerians have so far registered to return home following the attacks, a significant increase from the initial figure of about 130 persons.

Nigerian authorities, in collaboration with South African officials, have begun screening affected citizens to determine eligibility for evacuation.

The Federal Government has also announced plans to provide free air transportation for qualified returnees after initially indicating that evacuees might be required to fund their own travel arrangements.

Amid growing criticism, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks and pledged decisive action against groups involved in xenophobic violence.

Ramaphosa stated that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of government institutions and not vigilante groups, while promising reforms aimed at strengthening border security and immigration management.

The latest wave of violence has also affected migrants from other African countries. Mozambican authorities recently confirmed that several of their citizens were killed during anti-immigrant attacks, while hundreds have returned home out of fear.

Analysts say rising unemployment, economic hardship and anti-immigrant sentiment have contributed to recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa, which have periodically strained diplomatic relations between Pretoria and several African nations, including Nigeria.

As pressure mounts on South African authorities to protect foreign nationals, Nigeria appears increasingly prepared to explore stronger diplomatic options if attacks on its citizens continue.

Xenophobic: Nigeria Considers Retaliatory Action Against South Africa