Micheal Eyibio
The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMoT) has directed the resumption of the Abuja-Kaduna Train Services (AKTS), on Monday the 23.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), in a statement signed by its Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Mr. Yakub Mahmood, said concerted effort to secure the safe release of the abducted passengers being held hostage by the terrorists continues out of the public domain for strategic security reasons.
However, he added that government assures the relatives of the abducted citizens still in captivity that the safe rescue of these passengers is a top priority and not to misconstrue the resumption of train services, as abandonment or nonchalant attitude of the government towards their plight.
The statement said: “The federal government will never abdicate its responsibility in rescuing these valuable citizens, however, the government assures of its resolve not to succumb to threats by any faceless group.”
Meanwhile, the Board and management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) wish to inform our valued customers that additional security measures are being put in place at both the train stations and the track to ensure the safety of the passengers onboard.
According to him, these measures are not only for the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) but also for all the passenger train services especially on the standard gauge railway lines.
IDU (ABUJA) RIGASA (KADUNA) RIGASA (KADUNA) IDU (ABUJA)
DEPARTURE ARRIVAL DEPARTURE ARRIVAL
AK3 AK4
Time: 09:50 12:01 Time: 10:35 12:58
AK7 AK6
Time: 14:20 16:37 Time: 14:00 16:11
Consequently, the passengers are hereby enjoined to cooperate with the NRC in order to enjoin improved service delivery, safety and comfort by patiently complying with additional measures that will surely be introduced for the safety of our passengers, such as requesting for passengers National Identification Numbers (NIN) as part of our internal security check in addition, presentation of the following must be strictly complied with before boarding the train. Mahmood, said valid photo identification card (ID), reachable telephone number of Next of Kin (NOK) or close relative and online and offline purchase of tickets must contain the passengers’ individual profile or identification data.