The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a security alert to the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) on a plot by bandits to attack the Abuja-Kaduna train link at any possible time.
In a memo signed by the Director of the DSS, FCT Command, R.N. Adepemu, on Wednesday, the security agency warned train passengers to be security conscious.
Recall that following the terrorist attack on the train that occurred on March 28, 2022, train trips were temporarily suspended on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor.
The letter was entitled, ‘Security Alert: Impending Threat By A Coalition Of Banditry Syndicate To Attack Abuja-Kaduna Train Service Along AKTS Corridor’.
The DSS advised that security measures should be heightened along the route, while also putting some recommended measures in place.
The statement 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 to 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 carried 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 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”.