The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced a formal investigation into a railway incident involving a passenger train operating along the Rigasa–Idu corridor. A preliminary report from Funke Arowojobe, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, confirmed the incident and provided initial details.
According to the report, the incident occurred at approximately 9:16 a.m. on the Jere–Asham section of the track near Asham Station in Kaduna State. The train, identified as KA2, departed Rigasa Railway Station for its scheduled Abuja-bound journey, operating within its service window of 7:15 a.m. to 10:01 a.m. The train arrived at Jere Railway Station at 8:52 a.m. and departed shortly after at 8:59 a.m., following the attachment of a rear locomotive intended to provide additional operational support for the onward journey.
Shortly after leaving Jere Station, the rear locomotive reportedly detached while the train was descending a gradient toward Asham. The detached locomotive then collided with the rear portion of the train, causing a serious operational incident. At the time, the train comprised two locomotives (front and rear), a power car, two business-class coaches, and six standard passenger coaches. A total of 429 passengers, 46 crew members, and 24 security personnel were onboard. While no fatalities were reported, several passengers sustained injuries. Emergency responders, including Nigerian Railway Corporation personnel and onboard security staff, provided immediate first aid, and the train was able to continue its journey, arriving at Idu Station in Abuja at 10:39 a.m., where additional medical support was provided.
NSIB investigators have begun gathering evidence to determine the factors that led to the incident. The probe will examine technical, operational, and infrastructure-related issues, including train configuration, locomotive attachment mechanisms, and standard operating procedures.
Commenting on the investigation, NSIB Director-General Alex Badeh Jr. expressed concern for the injured passengers and commended the swift response of NRC personnel and emergency teams. He emphasized the bureau’s commitment to uncovering the root cause of the incident and using the findings to enhance railway safety across Nigeria. Badeh noted, “Every transport journey carries the trust of hundreds of passengers who rely on the system to move them safely. We remain committed to ensuring safer railway operations in the future.”
