The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has announced the full restoration of train services on the Abuja–Kaduna route following a disruption earlier this week.
Opeifa made the announcement in a post on X on Wednesday, assuring passengers that enhanced safety and operational measures have been implemented after the incident on Monday, March 16, 2026.
“Following the incident on Monday, 16th March 2026, normal train operations have been fully restored through the swift intervention of the Nigerian Railway Corporation. Passengers can now confidently book tickets, as improved safety and operational measures have been implemented to ensure secure and comfortable journeys. We are also pleased to welcome passengers on the AKTS return trip from Rigasa, Kaduna State, yesterday, 17th March 2026, with the support of HRH (Alhaji) Ishaq Ibrahim Tanko, Hakimin Idu District Head, Abuja. Train services are back to normal, safer and better,” Opeifa said.
The NRC boss highlighted that the corporation’s rapid response ensured minimal disruption and reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety and reliable service.
Incident details
The disruption occurred around 9:16 a.m. near Asham Station on the Abuja–Kaduna rail line involving train KA2, which had departed Rigasa and made a scheduled stop at Jere before continuing to Abuja.
After leaving Jere, where an additional rear locomotive had been attached, the rear locomotive became detached while the train was moving, rolled forward, and collided with the back of the train, causing a serious operational incident.
The train was carrying 429 passengers, along with crew and security personnel. While there were no fatalities, some passengers sustained injuries and received immediate medical attention before the train continued to Idu Station in Abuja.
The NRC confirmed that the successful resumption of the AKTS return trip from Rigasa signals a return to normalcy for rail commuters along the corridor.
