The Kaduna–Abuja rail corridor is one of Nigeria’s busiest transport routes, connecting the nation’s capital with the northern city of Kaduna. Despite its importance, the rail line has been plagued by a series of safety and operational issues in recent years, raising serious concerns for passenger safety and service reliability. Here are five notable incidents that have disrupted the Kaduna–Abuja railway and affected its passengers:

1. Recent Derailment on August 26, 2025

Tuzzuper blog reports that on the morning of August 26, 2025, a passenger train traveling the Kaduna–Abuja route derailed, causing some carriages to overturn and triggering panic among travelers. Passengers described the scene as chaotic, with many scrambling to safety. Although initial reports did not confirm any casualties, the incident sent shockwaves through the commuting public. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau promptly began probing the cause of the derailment. This event follows a pattern of operational challenges on the rail line, further shaking passengers’ confidence. Official statements from the Nigerian Railway Corporation are still awaited.

2. March 2022 Deadly Attack

In March 2022, the rail corridor was the scene of a violent armed attack near Katari, Kaduna State. Suspected bandits ambushed the Abuja-bound train, using improvised explosive devices and firearms. The attack led to the death of at least ten people, including prominent figures, and several passengers were abducted. This horrific incident highlighted the grave security risks that have long threatened the safety of travelers on this route.

3. May 2024 Hot Axle Incident

In May 2024, a mechanical fault occurred when one of the train’s coach wheels developed a hot axle near Rigasa Station in Kaduna. The overheating was caused by abnormal temperatures in the axle housing, which the Nigerian Railway Corporation said was promptly detected and addressed. The train was safely marshalled back to Kaduna, but the incident caused temporary disruption to services, especially for passengers in business class. The NRC apologized for the inconvenience caused.

4. January 2023 Suspension of Service Following Derailment

Earlier in January 2023, the Nigerian Railway Corporation temporarily suspended services on the Kaduna–Abuja route after a derailment in Kubwa, within the Federal Capital Territory. The suspension lasted four days, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in rail infrastructure and maintenance that continue to affect passenger safety and confidence.

5. Legislative Scrutiny in June 2024

The persistent problems on the Kaduna–Abuja rail corridor caught the attention of the Nigerian House of Representatives in June 2024. Lawmakers summoned the Minister of Transportation to explain the recurring derailments and other safety lapses on the rail service. The House expressed concern for passenger welfare and ordered investigations aimed at preventing future disruptions.

The Kaduna–Abuja railway remains a crucial transportation lifeline for many Nigerians. However, the recurrence of incidents—from violent attacks to technical failures and derailments—raises urgent questions about safety, security, and maintenance standards. Addressing these challenges is essential not only to restore public confidence but to ensure that the rail service can provide a safe, reliable alternative to road travel in Nigeria.