FG Reveals When Abuja-Kaduna Train Route Will Commence Operations

The Federal Government revealed that the Abuja-Kaduna train route will fully commence operations when it has launched the relevant surveillance technology for the trains.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Transport, Mu’azu Sambo during a visit to the Idu and Kubwa train stations on Tuesday in Abuja, according to NAN.

The Nigerian Government had earlier revealed its agenda to execute surveillance technology on the trains to avoid further attacks, since the March 28 terrorist attack on the route.

The Minister expressed optimism that the abducted train passengers would be reunited with their families soon, citing that important steps are expected to be carried out to ensure the safety of the passengers.

He said, ”First and foremost, it is very essential to get those Nigerians that were abducted reunited with their families, otherwise it will be perceived as if government is not sensitive.

”Whereas government is not only sensitive, but the government is doing all it can to make sure that those affected by this tragic incident are reunited with their families.

”Secondly, adequate security and infrastructure must be put in place to safeguard and avoid all forms of threats that are possible and leave what you cannot do to God.”

He affirmed that the FG is trying to deploy the best technology available anywhere in the world which has performed very well in other jurisdictions. He added that the FG was processing to obtain explosion detectors that would detect and terminate threats on the track.

The following Should be Brought to Notice:

• The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) suspended train operations on Abuja-Kaduna route after the terror attack on March 28.
• In March, the FG announced plans to toughen security in its railway infrastructure, disclosing that it will enforce an integrated surveillance system in the Abuja-Kaduna, Lagos-Ibadan and Warri-Itakpe railway systems.
• Investors King reported on the 19 May, 2022 that, “The government wishes to assure the relatives of the abducted citizens still in captivity that the safe rescue of these passengers is a top priority and not to misconstrue the resumption of train services, like abandonment or nonchalant attitude of the government towards their plight over 60 people remain kidnapped.“