• Train derails four days after service resumed along Warri–Itakpe corridor
• NRC blames suspected vandalism, suspends all operations for safety audit
• No casualties recorded as recovery team moves in overnight
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the derailment of a Warri–Itakpe passenger train, forcing an immediate suspension of service on the route.
The incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday near Kilometre 212+8m, Agbor, Delta State, involving two of the train’s seven coaches.
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In a statement signed by the Managing Director of NRC, Mr Kayode Opeifa, the corporation said preliminary investigations suggest that the derailment may have been caused by suspected track vandalism.
Mr Opeifa stated that all passengers on board were safely evacuated to Agbor, adding that no casualties or injuries were recorded.
“Our recovery team, supported by security personnel, has been at the site since last night, carrying out recovery operations. These efforts are progressing steadily and are expected to be completed soon,” the statement read.
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The NRC boss further noted that train services on the corridor have been temporarily suspended to enable a comprehensive safety and security audit of the tracks.
“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause our valued passengers and the general public. Normal operations will resume as soon as it is verified safe to do so,” he added.
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria has recorded over 188 rail-related incidents between 2020 and 2025, many of which have been linked to vandalism by scavengers and criminal syndicates.
The Warri–Itakpe service, regarded as one of Nigeria’s longest modern train routes, had only resumed operations four days earlier after months of suspension due to mechanical and technical faults.
