News Investigators/ The Department of State Services (DSS), has warned of an impending attack by armed bandits on the Abuja-Kaduna train.
The security agency on issued security alert on Wednesday, stating that the plan could be carried out anytime from now.
In a letter to the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), the DSS cautioned train passengers to be extra vigilant while embarking on the journey..
The letter signed by the Director FCT Command, R.N. Adepemu entitled: Security Alert: ‘Impending Threat By A Coalition Of Banditry Syndicate To Attack Abuja-Kaduna Train Service Along AKTS Corridor, the agency directed that existing security measures be scaled up on that route.
According to the letter, “Intelligence report indicates impending threat to seamless train transportation along the Abuja ~ Kaduna Train Service (AKTS).
“The development is sequel to the plot by a coalition of banditry syndicate to attack Abuja ~ Kaduna Train Service aimed at kidnapping passengers on board for ransom any moment from now.
”In view of the threat inherent and the need to forestall likely breach of security along the AKTS, it is advised that, existing security arrangements be scaled up within and along the route.
“In addition, the need for the under listed counter security measures be emplaced ta nip in the bud the impending threats: Air surveillance patrol; Surveillance on the rail track; Military checkpoint/ patrol; Police checkpoint/patrol; Security raid operation be carry out around Byazhin, Jibi, as well as ja forest Enhance the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (NPMF) operatives with walkie talkie to sustain escort services on train.
Other measures include: Deployment of more Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel with walkie talkie to provide escort duty; ie contents of this correspondence are classified: Unauthorized disclostre could lead to prosecution.
DSS also recommended the establishment of a crisis response team in the event of an 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.
It would recalled that on 28 March 2022, an Abuja–Kaduna train was attacked in Katari, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
