The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed the rescue of all 618 passengers aboard a Kaduna-bound train that derailed along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor on Tuesday.
NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, announced the development in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the incident occurred at Kilometre 49 between Kubwa and Asham stations.
According to the statement, the corps immediately deployed a tactical team of officers to the site after receiving a distress call, as part of its disaster response and national asset protection mandate.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi, personally led a delegation to the scene, where he conducted an on-the-spot assessment alongside stakeholders from the security and transport sectors.
“While deploying a Tactical Team of gallant officers to the accident scene where a Kaduna-bound passenger train with 618 passengers on board derailed at KLM 49 between Kubwa and Asham stations along Abuja-Kaduna Rail Corridor; the NSCDC CG said the corps is fully committed to ensuring the protection of all the nation’s critical national assets and Infrastructure, civilian protection through rescue operations during emergency and disaster management amongst others,” Audi stated.
He stressed the importance of preventive measures to safeguard passengers and infrastructure along the corridor.
In a show of inter-agency collaboration, Audi commended the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) for its swift response to the incident and praised its Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa.
“I commend the efforts and steadfastness of the Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Cooperation; Dr. Kayode Opeifa.
“The NSCDC is ready to bring to book anyone caught sabotaging the Railway Installations,” Babawale noted.
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