Railway Operations Halted, Stations Closed in Niger and Kaduna Due to Banditry – NRC

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the suspension of rail services and the closure of stations across parts of Niger and Kaduna States due to worsening insecurity, rampant banditry, and persistent vandalism of critical railway infrastructure.

Speaking in Minna on behalf of District Rail Superintendent Blessing Okanezi, NRC official John Otivere said the rise in security threats has rendered continued operations along certain routes unsafe and unviable. He specifically noted that narrow-gauge lines have been the most severely affected.

“Our lines are not abandoned. Our train originates from Lagos down to Kano and returns, but several stretches, especially in Niger and Kaduna, are no longer safe,” Otivere explained.

One of the most impacted areas is the Gaddani train station located on the border between Niger and Kaduna—which has remained shut due to repeated attacks. Other communities such as Gwada, Sarkin-Pawa, Kuchi, Wushishi, Pakara, and Akere have also seen services halted since December 2022.

Despite the challenges, the NRC maintains routine inspections and maintenance of its rail tracks and locomotive engines, according to Femi Adewakun, who spoke on behalf of the District Manager, Suleiman Obafun. He called for urgent attention to protect and revitalize Nigeria’s railway sector, which plays a crucial role in economic development.

Meanwhile, District Civil Engineer Akin Atanda decried the devastating toll of vandalism and armed banditry. He revealed that some locations have become completely inaccessible due to bandit occupation.

Vandals have also been dismantling track fastenings particularly along the Beji axis posing serious safety risks. Some perpetrators have been apprehended and prosecuted.

Additionally, Atanda highlighted the impact of environmental factors such as erosion, especially in Mokwa, where entire rail segments have been washed away.

The combined threats of insecurity, vandalism, and environmental degradation, officials say, have brought rail operations to a halt in several regions and continue to endanger Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure.