NRC restores derailed Warri-Itakpe Line, resumes service today, two suspects arrested

NRC restores derailed Warri-Itakpe Line, resumes service today, two suspects arrested

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the resumption of train services on the Warri–Itakpe corridor today (Wednesday), following the completion of repair works on the section of track affected by last weekend’s derailment near Agbor, Delta State.

The derailment, which occurred on Sunday, was traced to the vandalisation of fasteners and clips along the rail line.

Two suspects believed to be responsible for the act have been arrested.

These details are contained in a press statement released Tuesday evening and personally signed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa.

The suspects — Mudansuru Mutari (27) and Blorie Kokori (39) — were reportedly apprehended around Kilometre 208 before Abraka, Delta State, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, by operatives of the NRC Police Command in collaboration with local security agents.

According to the Corporation, preliminary investigations and confessional statements confirmed their involvement in tampering with vital components of the rail infrastructure.

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Opeifa commended the Railway Police Command and community security networks for their swift and coordinated response, assuring that the culprits would face the full weight of the law.

“Acts of vandalism against critical national infrastructure amount to economic sabotage and pose serious threats to public safety. The NRC maintains a zero-tolerance stance on such offences,” he said.

He added that the Corporation had completed the re-railment and full restoration of the affected portion of the track on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Following a comprehensive safety inspection and operational audit, normal train operations will resume today, Wednesday, November 5.

Opeifa reiterated the NRC’s commitment to the highest standards of safety and reliability, noting that surveillance would be intensified through advanced security technologies and stronger community engagement along all railway corridors.

The NRC also expressed appreciation to passengers and the general public for their patience and understanding during the temporary suspension of services.

 

NRC restores derailed Warri-Itakpe Line, resumes service today, two suspects arrested