Nigeria: Nigerian Railway Corporation suspends rail services on Abuja-Kaduna line March 29 following attack, March 28 /update 1

Event

As of March 29, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended train services indefinitely on the company's Abuja-Kaduna route following an attack targeting a Kaduna-bound train March 28. Assailants reportedly planted a bomb on the track about 25 km (16 miles) from Kaduna immobilizing the locomotive; the attackers then reportedly sporadically fired shots. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the attack left at least two NRC employees and five members of the security forces dead, and several passengers injured. The attackers also kidnapped an unspecified number of people. Officials should provide further details over the coming hours and days.

Increased road congestion is likely along the Abuja-Kaduna routes as commuters and freight services use alternative modes of transportation during the suspension.

Context

NRC closed the same route in October 2021 after assailants detonated an explosive device along the rail line. In addition, suspected bandits carried out another high-profile attack in Kaduna March 26. Assailants attacked Kaduna International Airport (KAD), killing at least one guard before security forces repelled the assault. The incident caused flight delays for about an hour. The motive for the attack remains unclear. Further such attacks remain possible in the near term.

Advice

Reconfirm NRC passenger and freight rail transport schedules over the coming days, particularly along the Abuja-Kaduna line. Consider alternative transport for critical travel and freights until service is fully restored. Plan accordingly for road traffic disruptions.