The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has ordered the deployment of police operatives to the Abuja-Kaduna train route.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, in a statement on Sunday, said the operatives would be drawn from the police mobile force, K-9, force intelligence bureau, explosive ordinance unit, and railway police command.
The Abuja-Kaduna train operation is expected to resume on Monday, December 5.
Adejobi said the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has been in regular talks with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and other security agencies in preparation for the commencement of operations.
“The deployment covers major railway stations along the route and operational coaches to provide adequate security for passengers, their property, and the entire service in order to prevent any unforeseen incidence,” he said.
He said the IGP has assured the public, especially intending passengers, of adequate protection of lives and property.
He quoted the IGP as saying that all hands are on deck to fortify the railway services along the route and other rail lines across the country.
The train service was suspended after an attack on the rail facility on March 28, 2022, by terrorists.
Over eight months after the attack, the NRC in a statement at the weekend said the operation would resume on Monday.
As the service resumes, passengers have been asked to expect an increase in ticket fares.
The Minister of Transportation had last week during an inspection of the facility also said there will no longer be night trips.
The Corporation however said there will be two return trips between Abuja and Kaduna daily.
The statement reads in part: “This is to inform the general public that Nigeran Railway Corporation on the directive of the Federal Government through the Ministry of Transportation will resume the Abuja Kaduna Passenger train service on Monday 5th December 2022.
“The service will commence with two return services. The commuting public is hereby advised that as part of the new security measures on the Abuja-Kaduna service, it is now mandatory to present the National Identification Number (NIN) before being allowed to board the train.”
Other documents passengers are expected to present are; “Valid boarding ticket. No access will be allowed into the departure or arrival hall without a valid ticket and purchase of a ticket by proxy is only limited to minors and a specified number of adult passengers.”
The corporation said all individual adult travelers must submit their NIN before the ticket can be issued.
It also noted that online and mobile app ticket purchases will be available from 8:00 am on Sunday 4th December 2022, adding that ticket offices at the stations will be open from 06:30 am on Monday 5th December 2022.
The NRC also solicited the cooperation of passengers in ensuring that the service remains safe and secure.
