The DSS warns the NRC about a possible bandit attack on the Abuja-Kaduna service.
The Department of State Services issued a security notice to the Nigeria Railway Corporation on Wednesday regarding a bandit conspiracy to assault the Abuja-Kaduna train link at any time.
The state police urged train passengers to be cautious in a document signed by the Director of the DSS, FCT Command, R.N. Adepemu.
Following the terrorist attack on the train on March 28, 2022, rail travel on the Abuja-Kaduna route was temporarily halted.
The letter was headlined ‘Security Alert: Impending Threat By A Coalition Of Banditry Syndicate To Attack Abuja-Kaduna Train Service Along AKTS Corridor’.
The DSS recommended that security measures be increased along the route, as well as implementing some recommended steps.
“Intelligence report indicates impending threat to seamless train transportation along the Abuja Kaduna Train Service (AKTS),” according to the statement.
“The development follows a plot by a banditry syndicate to attack Abuja Kaduna Train Service with the intention of kidnapping passengers on board for ransom at any time.”
“In light of the inherent threat and the need to prevent potential breaches of security along the AKTS, it is recommended that existing security arrangements be scaled up within and along the route.” Furthermore, the following counter-security procedures must be implemented to thwart impending threats.
i. Air surveillance patrol
ii. Surveillance on the rail track
iii. Military checkpoint/ patrol
iv. Police checkpoint/ patrol
v. Security raid operation be carry out around Byazhin, Jibi, as well as ja forest
vi. Enhance the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (NPMF) operatives with walkie talkie to sustain escort services on train;
vii, Deploy more Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with walkie talkie to provide escort duty; ie contents of this correspondence are classified: Unauthorized disclostre 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 has not yet been made public, the development has the potential to heighten concerns about the safety of lives and property among stakeholders and commuters of trail transportation along the AKTS corridor.”
“As a result, the need to manage this intelligence in a discrete manner cannot be overstated.”
“This is especially significant in light of fatal attacks along the routes, which resulted in casualties and victims; as a result, some passengers were killed and others were abducted for several months before their eventual release.”
