The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has blamed prolonged suspension of train operations along narrow-gauge routes in parts of Kaduna and Niger States on insecurity, vandalism, and persistent banditry.
According to the NRC, stations in communities such as Gwada, Sarkin-Pawa, Kuchi, and Gaddani have been shut down indefinitely, while services have not resumed in Wushishi, Pakara, and Akere since December 2022.
Speaking in Minna, NRC District Rail Superintendent for Minna, Mrs. Blessing Okanezi, through her representative, Mr. John Otivere, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that although the Lagos-Kano narrow-gauge line remains operational, critical sections passing through Kaduna and Niger are currently inaccessible due to security threats.
Otivere said: “Train operations in these areas were suspended because of rising cases of banditry, vandalism, and general insecurity. The train station in Gaddani, a border community between Niger and Kaduna, has remained closed for a long time due to bandit activity.”
While acknowledging the challenges, the NRC assured that the corporation continues to maintain its railway infrastructure. According to Mr. Femi Adewakun, District Internal Auditor who represented the Railway District Manager, Alhaji Suleiman Obafun, routine maintenance of locomotive engines and narrow-gauge tracks is ongoing. However, operations will not resume until safety is assured across all affected routes.
Further compounding the problem is environmental degradation and deliberate sabotage. District Civil Engineer, Mr. Akin Atanda, revealed that vandals have targeted key infrastructure—stealing fastenings in the Beji axis and leaving entire rail sections washed away by erosion in Mokwa.
“While some of the vandals have been arrested and jailed, other areas remain completely inaccessible due to the presence of bandits,” Atanda said.
The NRC is calling for urgent government intervention to restore security and prevent further destruction of national assets. The Corporation maintains that restoring full rail service in these areas depends entirely on the ability to guarantee safe access for both personnel and passengers.
