The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that 21 passengers were injured in the derailment of a train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna on August 26, 2025. The accident occurred at Asham Station, causing significant damage to the train but, thankfully, no fatalities.
According to the NSIB’s preliminary report, the train, identified as locomotive CDD5c2 2701, left Idu Station in Abuja at 9:45 am. It was en route to Rigasa, Kaduna, with 618 passengers on board, including Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) staff, security personnel, and other service staff. The train derailed after passing a manually operated switch point at Asham Station at 11:09 am. While the incident resulted in injuries to 21 passengers, the NSIB emphasized that no lives were lost.
“The preliminary findings show the derailment was a result of a combination of factors, and we are continuing our investigation to ensure that all aspects of the incident are addressed,” the NSIB said. The Bureau further noted that the full, final report will include detailed findings and safety recommendations to improve rail safety in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has attributed the derailment primarily to human error, citing excessive speeding and misapplication of the emergency braking system as key causes. According to statements from the NRC, the train’s engineers have successfully re-railed and recovered the affected coaches and locomotives. These assets have been transferred to designated workshops for assessment and further repairs.
The NRC has assured the public that train services will resume soon, though work on a secondary track will continue. Engineers are conducting comprehensive safety assessments to ensure the railway corridor meets international standards of durability and reliability.
The NRC has pledged to place safety at the forefront of all operations, with assurances that services will not resume until all necessary safety checks have been cleared. “Safety remains our top priority,” the corporation said in a statement, highlighting its commitment to restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s rail services.
As part of the recovery efforts, engineers are also evaluating the repaired section and conducting a full infrastructure assessment to ensure no further risks are present. The NRC has vowed to take all necessary steps to prevent similar accidents in the future.
