The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has resumed full operations on the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor following Monday’s disruption that left 26 passengers injured.
NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, announced the restoration of services on Wednesday, assuring passengers that normal operations have returned after swift emergency intervention by railway officials.
“Following the incident on Monday, March 16, 2026, normal train operations have been fully restored through the swift intervention of the Nigerian Railway Corporation,” Opeifa said in a statement shared on his X account.
He added that passengers can now proceed with bookings confidently, noting that additional safety and operational measures have been introduced to strengthen passenger protection and improve service reliability.
According to Opeifa, railway engineers and operational teams moved quickly after the incident to clear the affected section and ensure that train movement resumed without further obstruction.
The corporation also confirmed the successful operation of the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) return journey from Rigasa, Kaduna State, signalling a full return to normal services along one of Nigeria’s busiest rail routes.
The disruption occurred at about 9:16 a.m. near Asham Station on the downward section of the Abuja–Kaduna line, involving train KA2, which had departed Rigasa and made a scheduled stop at Jere before continuing toward Abuja.
NRC explained that after leaving Jere, where an additional rear locomotive had been attached, the locomotive unexpectedly detached while the train was in motion, rolled forward, and struck the rear section of the moving train.
The impact affected the power car and the last passenger coach, causing injuries and temporary service suspension.
The corporation clarified that contrary to initial reports, the incident was not a collision between two separate trains but an internal operational accident involving a detached locomotive.
“We are also pleased to welcome passengers on the AKTS return trip from Rigasa, Kaduna State,” Opeifa said, acknowledging community support received during the restoration process.
He reaffirmed NRC’s commitment to safer, more reliable rail transport, stating that train services have resumed “safer and better.”
The Abuja–Kaduna route remains a critical transport link for commuters, business travellers, and residents seeking an alternative to road travel.
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