As Abuja-Kaduna train resumes operations today, IGP deploys specially armed police

More than eight months after the popular Abuja-Kaduna passenger train service was suspended, it will resume operations today (Monday) December 5 with the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, ordering the deployment of specially armed personnel along the corridor to safeguard the area.

Spokesman for the Nigeria Police Force Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Sunday, said the security operatives would be drawn from the police mobile force, K-9, force intelligence bureau, explosive ordinance unit and railway police command.

Terrorists attacked an Abuja-Kaduna passenger train on March 28, 2022, in which about eight persons were killed and 63 declared abducted. The abducted persons were later released in batches over a period of time.

Adejobi said the Nigeria Police Force had been in regular talks with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and other security agencies in preparation for the commencement of operations.

“The deployment covers major railway stations along the route and operational coaches to provide adequate security for passengers, their property and the entire service in order to prevent any unforeseen incident,” he said.

The police spokesman also said the IGP had assured the public, especially intending passengers, of adequate protection of lives and property.

He quoted the IGP as saying that all hands would be on deck to fortify the railway services along the route and other rail lines across the country.

The Federal Government had said operations would resume on the corridor last month. However, there was a delay in bringing the plans to fruition.

The FG, in its latest schedule, drew up another timeline for resumption.

Managing Director of the NRC, Fidet Okhiria, said in a statement on Saturday that the first train would depart Rigasa train station in Kaduna to Abuja by 8:00 in the morning while from Abuja, the first train would depart Idu train station to Kaduna by 9:45 in the morning.

As part of the new security measures, according to him, it is now mandatory for passengers to present their National Identity Number and valid boarding ticket before they will be allowed to board the train.