Kazeem Owoseni
The Department of State Services has reportedly issued a security alert to Nigerians, and the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, over an alleged grand plot by bandits, to attack the Abuja-Kaduna train link anytime from now.
This was contained in an allege leaked letter signed by the DSS 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 DSS in the alleged statement, said: ”Intelligence report indicates an impending threat to seamless train transportation along the Abuja ~ Kaduna Train Service (AKTS).
“The development is the sequel to the plot by a coalition of banditry syndicates to attack Abuja ~ Kaduna Train Service aimed at kidnapping passengers on board for ransom any moment from now.
” Given 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 to be emplaced ta nip in the bud the impending threats.
i. Air surveillance patrol; Surveillance on the rail track; Military checkpoint/ patrol; Police checkpoint/ patrol; Security raid operation we carry out around Byazhin, Jibi, as well as a forest Enhance the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (NPMF) operatives with a walkie talkie to sustain escort services on the train;
vii, Deploy more Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with a walkie-talkie to provide escort duty; ie contents of this correspondence are classified: Unauthorized disclosure could lead to prosecution.
viii. Crisis response team be established in the advent of 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 the 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 be recalled that a similar event occurred on 28 March 2022, when an Abuja–Kaduna train was attacked in Katari, Kaduna State, and the NRC in a swift response to the incident, briefly halted operations along the route.
However, in the current development, the DSS has issued a security alert cautioning train passengers to be extra careful in the memo allegedly sent to the MD of NRC.
