The State Security Service (SSS) has unveiled a plot by terrorists to launch attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train to kidnap passengers, adding that the plan was been hatched by a “Coalition of Banditry Syndicate”
Penpushing reports that Nigeria’s secret police, made this known in security alert letter written and addressed to the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), dated 11 August,2023, stressing that its intelligence indicates an impending threat to seamless train transportation along the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS).
‘A Coalition of Banditry Syndicate are planning to attack the train any moment from now. The attack is aimed at kidnapping passengers on board for ransom, the State Security Service emphaised
Penpushing further reports that the security operatives noted that in view of the latest threat and the need to forestall likely breaches of security along the Abuja-Kaduna train service, advised that existing security arrangements be scaled up within and along the route.
The State Security Service added in the letter that among other security measures, include air surveillance patrol; surveillance on the rail track; military checkpoint or patrol; and security raid operation be carried out around Byazhin, Jibi, as well as Ija forest.
Penpushing also reports that the cautious letter added that the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (NPMF) operatives should be enhanced with walkie-talkies to sustain escort services on the train, adding that the agency called for the deployment of more Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with walkie-talkies to provide escort duty.”
The State Security Service (SSS) warning is coming about 18 months after terrorists attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train in March 2022, having emerged from the Kateri-Rijana forest of Kaduna State, setting off explosives to derail the Abuja-Kaduna train carrying 362 passengers.
Penpushing reports that it is recalled that that the terrorist shot sporadically and thereafter surrounded the train, which had armed policemen on board and thereafter kidnapped over 100 passengers, with at least eight people lost their lives.
The General Manager at the Nigerian Railway Corporation) NRC) Pascal Nnorli, at corporation headquarters in Abuja, when contacted said he doesn’t discuss security matters over the phone and refused to speak further on the matter.
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