Bandits planning to attack Abuja-Kaduna train again, SSS alerts NRC

The State Security Service has issued a security alert to the Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, on a plot by bandits to attack the Abuja-Kaduna train.

The security alert is contained in a memo signed by the Director of the SSS, FCT Command, R.N. Adepemu, on Thursday.

The secret police also warned train passengers to be security conscious.

The memo read, “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.

“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 disclosture 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 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.”