A driver boarding to work during the official flag off ceremony of Abuja-Kaduna Commercial Train Operation at the Idu Train Station, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida 26/07/2016
THE Department of State Services, DSS, on Wednesday issued a security alert stating that there’s a grand plot by bandits to attack the Abuja-Kaduna train link anytime from now.
Recall that on 28 March 2022, an Abuja–Kaduna train was attacked in Katari, Kaduna State, Nigeria. In response, the Nigeria Railway Corporation briefly halted operations along the route.
But in this fresh development, the DSS has issued a security alert cautioning train passengers to be extra careful in a memo sent to MD of NRC.
In the leaked letter signed by DSS Director FCT Command, R.N. Adepemu entitled: Security Alert: ‘Impending Threat By A Coalition Of Banditry Syndicate To Attack Abuja-Kaduna Train Service Along AKTS Corridor.
The secret police in the statement said:”Intelligence report indicates impending threat to seamless train transportation along the Abuja ~ Kaduna Train Service (AKTS).
“The development is sequel to the plot by a coalition of banditry syndicate to attack Abuja ~ Kaduna Train Service aimed at kidnapping passengers on board for ransom any moment from now.
”In view of the threat inherent and the need to forestall likely breach of security along the AKTS, it is advised that, existing security arrangements be scaled up within and along the route. In addition, the need for the under listed counter security measures be emplaced ta nip in the bud the impending threats.
i. Air surveillance patrol; Surveillance on the rail track; Military checkpoint/ patrol; Police checkpoint/ patrol; Security raid operation be carry out around Byazhin, Jibi, as well as ja forest Enhance the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (NPMF) operatives with walkie talkie to sustain escort services on train;
vii, Deploy more Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with walkie talkie to provide escort duty; ie contents of this correspondence are classified: Unauthorized disclostre could lead to prosecution.
viii. Crisis response team be established in the advent of attack for quick response time; Intelligence sharing amongst all relevant stakeholders.
“Although, the aforementioned threat is yet to be in the public domain, the development is capable of heightening fears over safety of lives and property amongst stakeholders and commuters of trail transportation along the AKTS corridor.
“Therefore, the need to discreetly manage this intelligence provided cannot be, over emphasized.
“This is particularly against the backdrop of fatal attacks along the routes which left casualties and victims hence, some passengers were killed as well as others abducted for several months before their eventual release.