Advertisement

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested several staff members of the Abuja-Kaduna Train Services, including the Manager, Pascal Nnorli, and the Operations Manager, Victor Adamu, over the leak of a memo that warned of a possible terror attack on the rail line.

The memo, dated August 18, 2023, was addressed to the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria, and signed by the Director-General of the DSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi. It stated that the DSS had received intelligence that some criminal elements were planning to sabotage the rail tracks and plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Abuja-Kaduna route.

Advertisement

The memo also advised the NRC to increase security measures and conduct periodic checks on the tracks and trains. It further warned that if the letter was leaked, it could lead to arrests and prosecution of those involved.

However, the memo was leaked to the public on August 19, 2023, and circulated on social media platforms. The leak caused panic among commuters and travelers who use the Abuja-Kaduna rail line, which is one of the busiest and most secure routes in Nigeria.

The DSS reacted swiftly and arrested Nnorli, Adamu, and other staff members who were suspected of being behind the leak. The DSS also interrogated Okhiria, who declined to comment on the matter when contacted by reporters.

Advertisement

The NRC issued a statement on August 20, 2023, assuring the public that the rail service was safe and operational. The statement also urged passengers to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious activities or objects along the rail line.

The DSS has not released any official statement on the arrests or the investigation. It is not clear if any charges have been filed against the suspects or if they have been granted bail. The motive behind the leak is also unknown.

The Abuja-Kaduna rail line was inaugurated in 2016 by President Muhammadu Buhari as part of his administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure and transportation in Nigeria. The rail line covers a distance of 186 kilometers and has nine stations. It transports an average of 3,700 passengers daily.

Disclaimer

Contents provided and/or opinions expressed here do not reflect the opinions of The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine or any employee thereof.

Advertisement

Support The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

It takes a lot to get credible, true and reliable stories.

As a privately owned media outfit, we believe in setting the pace and leaving strides in time.

If you like what we do, you can donate a token to us here. Your support will ensure that the right news is put out there at all times, reaching an unlimited number of persons at no cost to them.

Donate!