Abuja, Nigeria — The federal government has dismissed claims of sabotage in the recent Abuja–Kaduna train derailment, attributing preliminary findings to operational failure.
Minister of Transportation Saidu Ahmed Alkali, speaking alongside Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Managing Director Kayode Opeifa at the State House, assured that investigations are ongoing but no evidence of foul play has emerged.
Alkali said the point machine, which controls track switching, had been fixed from Abuja to Kaduna, and since then, no derailments have occurred. He emphasized waiting for the official investigative committee’s report before drawing conclusions.
While vandalism remains a national issue, no signs of tampering were found at the derailment site. Four of the ten derailed coaches have been removed using cranes, with work continuing on the others.
Alkali revealed plans, coordinated with the Office of the National Security Adviser, to strengthen protection of railway infrastructure nationally. He also mentioned procurement processes to extend rail connectivity from Warri to Ajaokuta and Abuja.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows 188 derailments occurred between 2020 and 2025, mostly between 2020-2022, making derailment the leading form of rail accidents.
NRC MD Kayode Opeifa apologized to journalists, especially following the denial of access to a Nigerian Television Authority reporter at the accident scene, promising transparency and improved media relations in the future.
Opeifa reaffirmed no sabotage or structural failure caused the accident and confirmed all 618 passengers were safely evacuated. Twenty sustained minor injuries; seven were hospitalized but have since been discharged with medical bills covered by NRC.
By Taiwo Olatinwo | September 1, 2025
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