Nigerian 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.
According to the statement released by the Force Spokesman, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Sunday, while Police Force has been in regular talks with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and other security agencies in preparation for the commencement of the operations.
It stated further that 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 assured 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.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, has said that the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train service would resume on Monday, with only two return services.
Managing Director of the NRC, Fidel Okhiria, made this disclosure in a statement on Saturday, explaining that the first train service is slated to depart Rigasa Train in Kaduna by 8:00 am to Abuja while in Abuja, the Idu train station will leave for Kaduna by 9:30 am.
The NRC management reiterated that as part of new security measures, it is now mandatory for passengers to present their National Identity Number and valid Boarding Ticket before being allowed to board.
Also, NRC said it would not allow ticket sales by proxy except for minors, adding that ticket sales would commence today Sunday, December 4, 2022, at 8:00 am.
Recall that the NRC suspended train service along the route after Boko Haram terrorists attacked a moving passenger train in Kaduna on March 28, 2022.
