The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has identified a malfunctioning switch mechanism as the cause of the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment that occurred at Asham Station on August 26. In a preliminary report released on Wednesday in Abuja, the bureau explained that the automatic crossing point switch at Asham Station was unserviceable, forcing Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) staff to operate it manually. Investigators also found that the point clip used to lock the switch was broken, which led to the derailment.
The incident involved train number AK1, operated by the NRC with locomotive registration CDD5c2 2701, and was carrying passengers, security personnel and crew members. According to the report, the train derailed shortly after passing the faulty track switch, causing the forward locomotive and seven adjoining coaches to leave the rails. Twenty-one passengers sustained various degrees of injuries, although no fatalities were recorded.
NSIB revealed that this was the second derailment at Asham Station in thirteen months and noted that some sleepers damaged in the previous incident had only been patched rather than fully replaced. The report further highlighted operational lapses, including inadequate staff training, the absence of formal refresher courses and the poor availability of maintenance equipment and spare parts. Critical monitoring instruments such as Closed-Circuit Television cameras and communication devices were also found to be defective and not restored to proper standards.
The bureau advised the Nigerian Railway Corporation to replace all damaged sleepers to ensure track stability, to install original equipment manufacturer parts for all point switches along the Abuja–Kaduna route to guarantee reliability and safety, and to provide formal refresher training for personnel so they remain up to date with safety procedures. It also urged the corporation to restore all defective communication and monitoring equipment to improve operational efficiency and enhance passenger safety.
NSIB added that further investigation before the release of the final report will include an examination of track alignment and infrastructure condition, an inspection of the derailed coaches and locomotives, a review of train operation records and an analysis of statements from the crew, passengers and eyewitnesses. The final report, the bureau said, will provide detailed conclusions and additional recommendations aimed at strengthening rail safety in Nigeria.