Advertisement
Bandit terrorists are preparing to launch a devastating attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train service at any moment, according to the Department of State Services (DSS).
Recall that on March 28, 2022, terrorists ambushed a train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna in Katari village, Kaduna State, capturing numerous passengers in the process. The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) was compelled by this incident to temporarily cease operations along the line.
The DSS warned train passengers to be extra vigilant due to the impending attack in a leaked letter signed by R.N. Adepemu, Director of DSS FCT Command, and titled “Security Alert: Impending Threat By A Coalition Of Banditry Syndicate To Attack Abuja-Kaduna Train Service Along AKTS Corridor.”
The DSS stated that there was a “impending threat to seamless train transportation along the Abuja – Kaduna Train Service (AKTS),” and that a banditry syndicate alliance was preparing to assault the Abuja-Kaduna train at any moment with the intention of kidnapping passengers on board for ransom.
The document stated: “It is advised that existing security arrangements be ramped up within and along the route in light of the inherent hazard and the necessity to prevent any potential breaches of security along the AKTS. Additionally, it’s imperative that the countersecurity measures indicated below be put in place to stop any looming threats.
i. Patrols for air surveillance, rail track surveillance, military checkpoints and patrols, and police checkpoints and patrols; Security operations will be conducted in the area of Byazhin, Jibi, and the ja woodland. equip more members of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (NPMF) with walkie-talkies so that train escort duties can continue;
“Deploy more Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) members equipped with walkie-talkies to perform escort duties; i.e.
“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.”
Advertisement
