NRC recovers locomotive, coaches 

Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)) has revealed that they have recovered a locomotive and four coaches (out of two locomotives and eight DMU coaches), which have been railed to Idu station for assessment using the newly constructed 100meter track off the damaged line. 

It will be recalled that on the 26th of August 2025, the Abuja–Kaduna train service experienced a major derailment involving a locomotive and several coaches between Kubwa and Asham stations.

The Managing Director, NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa in a press statement said the site preparation has commenced for the deployment of heavy equipment to recover the remaining four coaches and an additional locomotive. 

He reassured passengers that the cooperation is taking every necessary measure is being taken to restore full train operations in the shortest possible time. 

He said a total of 618 persons were onboard the ill-fated train, comprising 583 passengers, 15 NRC crew members, 1 medical personnel, 8 cleaners, and 11 catering staff. 

According to him, all individuals were safely evacuated. Unfortunately, while 7 were reported as critically injured, passenger tracing conducted by the NRC medical team established that 20 persons sustained various degrees of injury, out of which 9 were reported critical. 

He said the corporation takes full responsibility for the incident and is actively supporting those affected.

“To aid affected passengers, the NRC set up an Incident Desk to handle enquiries and provide regular updates through dedicated phone lines: Queen – 0703 645 2228, Lilian – 0703 199 3211, and Abubakar – 0803 659 3212. So far, the Corporation has been able to reach 510 out of the 583 passengers listed on the train manifest,” he said.

Opeifa, expressed appreciation to the security agencies deployed to the accident site for their vital role in ensuring a smooth, safe, and disruption-free recovery process.

He also acknowledged the media as a critical partner and extended sincere gratitude for their continued support during this challenging period.