The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) announced on Tuesday that an investigation into the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment has begun under the supervision of relevant authorities and the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
Providing an update, NRC Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa stated that the accident occurred near Asham in Kaduna State, northwest Nigeria, and involved the Kaduna-bound Abuja–Kaduna service.
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Dr. Opeifa confirmed that 618 people were safely evacuated, including 583 passengers, 15 NRC crew members, one medical personnel, eight cleaners, and 11 catering staff.
SITUATION UPDATE FOLLOWING RESCUE AND EVACUATION AT ACCIDENT SITE pic.twitter.com/o1JA7wC2CT
— NIGERIAN RAILWAY CORPORATION (@info_NRC) August 26, 2025
He added that seven passengers sustained injuries of varying degrees and were transported by ambulance to hospital facilities, where they are receiving treatment.
“The remaining passengers were conveyed safely back to Idu and Kubwa stations aboard a rescue train dispatched from Idu for the purpose. All have since returned safely to their destinations.
“In line with our commitment to passenger welfare, our third-party ticketing company has been directed to immediately issue refunds to all passengers onboard the affected service.”
All Abuja-Kaduna train services (AKTS) have been temporarily suspended, pending recovery of the site, further clearance and official announcement of service resumption.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has also opened an investigation into the incident.
The development was announced in a statement issued by Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB.
The statement reads “A go-team has been deployed to the site to gather evidence, engage relevant stakeholders, and commence an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Bureau sympathises with those injured and extends its support to all passengers affected.”
NSIB revealed that the investigation will focus on identifying the direct and underlying factors that led to the derailment and issuing safety recommendations to prevent a recurrence.
Commenting on the incident, the Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr, said, “We deeply sympathise with all who sustained injuries. The Bureau has deployed investigators to the site to ensure the root cause of this derailment is uncovered.
“Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians through a transparent and independent investigation. The NSIB will provide updates as the investigation progresses,” Captain Badeh emphasises.