The Abuja–Kaduna train service is scheduled to resume operations next week, sparking mixed reactions from travelers still haunted by recent safety incidents. The resumption comes barely a month after the August 26, 2025 derailment that left six passengers injured, according to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.
This route, often described as Nigeria’s busiest rail corridor, has a troubled history. On March 28, 2022, gunmen attacked a train in Katari, Kaduna State. Since then, operations have been repeatedly suspended, fueling doubts about the government’s ability to guarantee passenger safety.
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In a recent statement, the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Callistus Unyimadu, confirmed that services will restart. He revealed that 512 of the 583 passengers affected by last month’s derailment had already received refunds, with arrangements ongoing for the remaining 71. While he assured passengers of the NRC’s commitment to their welfare, he avoided addressing deeper concerns such as lingering trauma, fears of robbery, and general distrust of the route’s safety record.
Ahead of the reopening, authorities have promised tighter security. Measures include surveillance along the rail line, armed security officers on trains and at stations, and upgraded communication systems to allow passengers to report suspicious activity in real time. In addition, baggage checks and revised emergency response plans are being put in place to rebuild confidence.
Despite these assurances, skepticism remains. Passengers recall that similar promises were made in the past but not fully implemented. For many Nigerians who rely on the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor for business and travel, the question now is whether this resumption will mark a turning point for safety, or if the risks still outweigh the convenience of the service.
