Capt. Alex Badeh Jnr. , DG, NSIB
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released the preliminary report on the derailment involving train number AK 1, operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), with locomotive registration CDD5c2 2701.
Recall that the incident took place at Km 49, Kubwa–Asham section, Kagarko Local Government Area, Kaduna State, on 26 August 2025.
It has however issued five safety recommendations to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), based on its initial findings.
In its safety recommendations, the investigative body asked the corporation to provide formal refresher training for NRC personnel to ensure staff remain up to date with safety procedures and operational best practices.
It also called on the NRC to ensure that all sleepers affected by derailments are replaced to guarantee track stability and prevent further derailments.
The NSIB asked the Corporation to restore all defective equipment such as communication equipment, Closed-Circuit Television cameras, clocks, and other critical instruments, to Original Equipment Manufacturer standards, as they are vital for effective monitoring, safety, and operational efficiency.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation should consider replacing all point switches at Asham Station and along the Abuja–Kaduna route with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts to ensure reliability and safety in switch operations, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation should consider addressing all areas where cautionary advisories are issued to train drivers, in order to enhance operational safety and minimize the risk of accidents.”, it said.
The NSIB said in its next steps, it will dwell on technical inspection of the turnout/switch mechanism at Asham Station; examination of track alignment and infrastructure condition; inspection of locomotives and derailed coaches (brakes, wheels, bogies); review of crew statements (driver, assistant driver, conductors, guards) and analysis of train operation records (speed logs, signal records, communications).
Recall that the incident took place at Km 49, Kubwa–Asham section, Kagarko Local Government Area, Kaduna State, on 26 August 2025.
The passenger train, which departed Idu Station, Abuja, at 09:45 h en route to Rigasa Station, Kaduna, was carrying 618 persons on board, including NRC crew members, security personnel, and service staff.
The NSIB noted that at approximately 11:09 h, shortly after passing a manually operated switch point at Asham Station, the forward locomotive and adjoining coaches derailed and overturned. Twenty-one passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries, while no fatalities were recorded.
Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance for th Bureau said however, that initial findings and recommendations are contained in the preliminary report, which is available for download on the NSIB website.
The report, she said represents early findings and is subject to further analysis. She added that the final report will present detailed conclusions and additional recommendations to enhance rail safety in Nigeria.
