Tight security as Abuja-Kaduna train station resumes operations

As train transport service resumes today in Kaduna state after 8 months of suspension due to banditry attack, security has been beefed up at the station for safe operations.

The departure of the first train at 8:00am went smoothly, some passengers missed out because they could not buy tickets via online and even at the counter.

Passengers were spotted arriving at the station as early as 6:30am to purchase tickets while several others who boarded earlier had bought their tickets online.

The train, which has an official capacity of 664 passengers had however recorded low turnout in the first trip.

Many of the passengers who boarded the first train expressed happiness over the development, saying, they had long awaited alternative means of transportation because of the bad road.

Also, there was high number of security presence to ensure smooth operations and to also avert security bridge and as well, instill confidence in the hearts of the travelers.

However, some of the passengers complained bitterly of their inability to log in their National Identification Number (NIN), to access tickets.

When asked about the number of passengers who boarded the train and some of the complaints raised, the Station Manager said the figure was yet to be harmonized by the officials and declined further comments.

The Inspector-General of Police(IGP), Usman Baba, has ordered the deployment of armed police personnel to beef up security  as the Nigerian Railway Cooperation, resumes trains services on the Abuja/ Kaduna route.

The deployment according to the force public relations officer Olumiyiwa Adejobi, is drawn from operatives of the Police Mobile Force, K-9, Force Intelligence Bureau, Explosive Ordnance Unit and Railway Police Command.

Adejobi, in a statement issued Sunday night, reads; “ The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered immediate deployment of armed personnel drawn from the Police Mobile Force, K-9, Force Intelligence Bureau, Explosive Ordnance Unit and Railway Police Command for the commencement of railway services along Abuja/Kaduna rail lines on Monday 5th December, 2022.

The Nigeria Police Force has been in regular talks with the Nigerian Railway Corporation 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 unforseen incidence.

The IGP therefore assures the general public, especially intending passengers, of adequate protection of lives and property, as all hands are on deck to fortify the railway services along the route and other rail lines across the country”