Abuja-Kaduna Train Derailment Leaves Passengers Stranded, Investigation Underway.
A Kaduna-bound passenger train derailed on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, at approximately 11:09 a.m., between Kubwa and Asham stations along the busy Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor, leaving passengers stranded and prompting swift action from authorities. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed the incident, which occurred at KM 49, and reported that emergency response teams, including medical personnel and security operatives, were promptly deployed to the scene to assist affected passengers.
According to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), six passengers sustained minor injuries, with no fatalities recorded. The injured were quickly attended to by medical teams mobilised from nearby hospitals, and all passengers were safely evacuated back to Abuja. The NSIB has launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the derailment, with a team of investigators dispatched to gather evidence and engage with relevant stakeholders. “We deeply sympathise with those affected and are committed to uncovering the root cause to ensure safer rail transport,” said NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr.
The NRC, led by Managing Director Kayode Opeifa, has temporarily suspended train operations on the Abuja-Kaduna route to allow for a thorough assessment of the incident. Opeifa refuted claims of poor maintenance, assuring the public that the corporation is working closely with the NSIB and other agencies to investigate the derailment. Ticket refunds have been initiated for affected passengers, and the NRC has promised to implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, currently on a state visit to Brazil, expressed his concern over the incident via his verified X account. “I am deeply saddened by this event. My heartfelt prayers are with the injured and their families,” he said, adding that he is receiving regular updates and expects a comprehensive report to guide safety improvements.
The derailment has reignited concerns about the safety and reliability of Nigeria’s railway infrastructure, particularly on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor, one of the country’s busiest routes. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the train veered off the tracks, with passengers scrambling to safety. Despite the chaos, the rapid response from emergency services ensured that the situation was brought under control swiftly.
The NSIB has pledged to conduct a transparent investigation, focusing on both immediate and underlying factors contributing to the incident. This is the latest in a series of derailments on the route, with previous incidents raising questions about track maintenance and operational challenges. The bureau aims to issue safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As investigations continue, passengers are advised to seek alternative travel arrangements while the NRC works to restore services. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and cooperative, assuring them that every effort is being made to ensure the safety and security of rail travel in Nigeria.
