Banditry: NRC tightens train security with cameras

Nigerian Railway Corporation has ramped up efforts to ensure passenger safety on its train services by installing cameras and implementing security strategies.

The PUNCH correspondent, who visited the Idu Train Station, observed that not less than three cameras were installed in each of the coaches.

Operations Manager at the train station, Abdul Azeez, told our correspondent that the NRC has implemented comprehensive measures to mitigate risks and safeguard travellers.

“We have a control centre where the movements of the train are being monitored, including both departure and arrival times.

“If there’s anything, the driver will communicate with the control, and the control will communicate with the driver. We have military personnel en route assigned by the Federal Government because of the threats of bandits,” Azeez explained.

Recall that there have been several instances of train derailments, such as the incident on June 5, when a train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed at the Asha station, leaving many passengers stranded in the Federal Capital Territory.

Another incident occurred on May 26, when a train conveying dozens of passengers departed Kaduna around 8:05 am but derailed at Jere about an hour later, causing three carriages to go off the tracks.

The NRC official noted that the corporation had stationed officers at strategic routes considered dangerous to bolster security.

He highlighted the role of the National Identity Management Commission in enhancing security protocols, stating, “Even the checking with NIMC came in as a result of insecurity because you want to know who is going into the train.”

Azeez also emphasised the importance of local recruitment in improving security.

“The railway is now employing people within the vicinity of a particular railway town, so if you’re from a particular town, you will be the one monitoring that area. That is one of the measures the NRC has taken,” he stated.

However, despite these efforts, passengers still express fears over their safety.

A passenger, Mohammed Suleiman, said, “They need to bring in more security personnel and also add more checks.”

Another passenger, who identified himself as Umar, echoed the same sentiments while pointing out additional areas for improvement.

“I don’t know if there are cameras inside the train, but I know security personnel have been increased. We are just praying that nothing will happen again. Because in Nigeria, you can’t determine what will happen, but we pray things will be better. “We need better than this. To be honest, this is substandard. If it’s possible, increase the speed; the tracks are outdated, and more coaches are needed,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, the NRC official assured that the Federal Government is actively addressing the concerns.

“On the alert of the Federal Government, a lot of security personnel move around. It’s only at night that they don’t move, and it’s at night most of these things happen.

“The Federal Government has put measures in place, whereby, whatever is happening, we will see it. Something is in progress,” he noted.