NRC Blames Banditry, Vandalism for Prolonged Suspension of Rail Services in Kaduna, Niger States

NRC blames insecurity for halted train routes, urges urgent government action to restore safety.

Vandalism, erosion worsen delays as communities remain cut off from critical rail transportation.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has attributed the continued suspension of narrow-gauge rail services in parts of Kaduna and Niger States to persistent insecurity, banditry, and vandalism targeting critical rail infrastructure.

Speaking through its representative, Mr. John Otivere, the NRC District Rail Superintendent in Minna, Mrs. Blessing Okanezi, disclosed that key rail corridors passing through the two northern states remain inaccessible due to safety concerns. This has led to the indefinite closure of several stations, including those in Gwada, Sarkin-Pawa, Kuchi, and Gaddani.

Operations have also been suspended in surrounding communities such as Wushishi, Pakara, and Akere, where train services have been halted since December 2022.

Otivere explained that although narrow-gauge services continue along some routes between Lagos and Kano, portions of the line through Kaduna and Niger are too dangerous for operations. “The Gaddani station, which lies on the border between Niger and Kaduna, has been shut for a long time due to bandit activity in the area,” he said.

Despite the disruption, the NRC says it remains committed to the upkeep of its infrastructure. According to Mr. Femi Adewakun, District Internal Auditor, who represented the Railway District Manager, Alhaji Suleiman Obafun, maintenance teams are actively inspecting locomotive engines and track sections across the network.

“Operations can only resume when it is safe to do so,” Adewakun stressed, adding that the corporation is fully prepared to act once security conditions improve.

Further compounding the situation is the widespread vandalism of rail assets and environmental degradation, especially in rural areas.

District Civil Engineer Mr. Akin Atanda highlighted critical cases such as the Beji axis, where track fastenings were removed by vandals, and the Mokwa corridor, where erosion washed away significant portions of the railway line. Atanda confirmed that some vandals have been arrested and prosecuted, with others currently serving jail terms.

However, he said the presence of armed bandits in several of these areas continues to restrict access for maintenance teams and has made restoration efforts extremely difficult.

The NRC is urging the federal government to intervene urgently by enhancing security across vulnerable railway corridors and deploying more resources to safeguard national transport infrastructure.

The situation reflects broader challenges facing Nigeria’s transportation sector, where rail lines in some regions remain underutilized or inoperable due to threats from non-state actors and systemic underinvestment in protection and repair.

Meanwhile, despite the operational setbacks, the NRC recently reported generating ₦1.42 billion in revenue from the movement of 675,293 passengers during the first quarter of 2024, highlighting the enduring demand for rail transport in safer zones.

Until security is restored in the affected areas, however, thousands of commuters and businesses in Kaduna and Niger states remain cut off from one of Nigeria’s most cost-effective and sustainable modes of transport.