Nigeria Awaits Abuja-Kaduna Train Derailment Report Within 23 Days

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced it will deliver a preliminary report on the recent Abuja-Kaduna train derailment within 23 days. The incident, which occurred on August 26, 2025, near Asham Station, caused multiple passenger injuries, significant damage to railway infrastructure, and led to the immediate suspension of services on the critical route.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh, stated that the forthcoming report will contain crucial factual evidence to guide the direction of the ongoing investigation. To lead the probe, the Bureau has appointed a qualified Investigator-in-Charge who has been granted full authority to control the accident site and all evidence. This includes implementing evidence protection measures such as securing the site, restricting access, and coordinating with security agencies to prevent any tampering.

The comprehensive investigation will involve a meticulous process including site inspections, assessments of the track geometry, and analysis of switches and other infrastructure. The NSIB will also preserve and analyze recorded data from the train’s systems, such as vigilance controls, speedometers, on-board CCTV cameras, and over-speed trip mechanisms. Furthermore, investigators will interview the train crew, railway staff, emergency responders, passengers, and eyewitnesses, while also reviewing operational records from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to determine causal and contributing factors.

Captain Badeh noted that the Bureau may engage technical experts to support the investigation and will coordinate its work with any judicial panels that may be formed. He also took the opportunity to highlight the NSIB’s need for additional funding to acquire modern investigative tools and provide advanced training for its staff to enhance its capabilities beyond aviation incidents.

The derailment occurred at KM 49 between Kubwa and Asham stations shortly after the train’s departure from Abuja at 11 a.m. bound for Kaduna. The event sparked panic among passengers, who described a chaotic scene as the train veered off the tracks. In response, the NRC promptly deployed emergency services, medical personnel, and security to the site, successfully ensuring all passengers were returned safely to Abuja.