The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has provided an update on the ongoing investigation into the derailment of an Abuja–Kaduna passenger train (AK1), which occurred on August 26, 2025 at Asham Train Station.
The Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jnr. gave the update during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
The train operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) with registration number CDD5C2 2701 had departed Idu Station in Abuja at 09:45 AM, stopping briefly at Kubwa Station before the incident. The train, which comprised eight passenger coaches and two locomotives (front and rear), derailed shortly after passing a track switching point at Asham.
Five coaches—SC00 6T, SC00 8T, SC00 10T, E00 2S, and EB00 2S left the tracks, while the forward locomotive and two coaches overturned. The rear locomotive (CDD5C1 W0004) and the final coach (SE00 2S) remained on the track. A total of 583 persons were on board, including crew members.
“While early eyewitness accounts suggested about 50 people may have been injured, official figures confirmed that 12 passengers sustained minor to moderate injuries. No fatalities were recorded. The injured received first aid at the site and were later taken to medical facilities for further examination”, Captain Badeh Jnr. confirmed.
According to him, emergency response teams from the NRC, military personnel stationed at Asham, and other security agencies promptly secured the accident scene.
He disclosed that the derailment caused significant damage to the rail track, sleepers, and switching mechanism, leading to a temporary suspension of train services along the Abuja–Kaduna–Abuja corridor to allow for repairs and recovery.
The DG restated that the NSIB has commenced an independent investigation into the incident, in line with the Railways (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Regulation 2024 under the NSIB (Establishment) Act 2022, with a focus on identifying the root causes and contributing factors to prevent future occurrences.
Captain Badeh Jnr. explained, “This process is not about assigning fault or blame. It’s about understanding what happened, why it happened, and how to stop it from happening again.
“An Investigator-in-Charge (IIC) has been appointed and granted full access to the accident site, rolling stock, and all relevant records. Evidence protection measures, including site security and data preservation from vigilance control systems, speedometers, and onboard CCTV, have been implemented.
“The investigation includes technical examinations of the locomotives and coaches, interviews with crew, staff, passengers, and eyewitnesses, as well as a review of NRC’s operational and maintenance records. We are committed to a thorough and impartial process”.
Captain Badeh Jnr. pointed out that should international stakeholders be identified, such as manufacturers of the rolling stock, the NSIB will notify the relevant states and invite accredited representatives to participate in the investigation, as stipulated in the Regulation.
The NSIB also confirmed that assistance for victims, survivors, and families is being coordinated through appropriate government and non-governmental bodies, with a designated coordinator overseeing information and support efforts.
The Bureau said that a Draft Final Report will be prepared and circulated to stakeholders for feedback before the Final Report is published. It added that an interim statements may also be issued on accident anniversaries to provide progress updates and highlight unresolved safety issues.
“All safety recommendations resulting from this investigation will be communicated to the relevant parties to enhance rail safety across the country,” Captain Badeh Jnr. said, reaffirming the Bureau’s dedication to transparency and accountability.
The NSIB emphasised that it will monitor the implementation of safety recommendations closely, and that updates, including any Preliminary or Accident Data Reports will be released as the investigation progresses.
