By Augustine Ehikioya
To provide adequate security, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered immediate deployment of armed personnel drawn from the Police Mobile Force, K-9, Force Intelligence Bureau, Explosive Ordnance Unit and Railway Police Command for the commencement of railway services along Abuja/Kaduna rail lines on Monday 5th December, 2022.
Operations on the route were suspended few months back when some passengers on the route were abducted by some gunmen.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations officer, Force Headquarters, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and obtained by Security Watch Africa (SWA), said the Police has been meeting with other security agencies and the Nigerian Railway Corporation towards smooth operations on the route.
The statement said “The Nigeria Police Force has been in regular talks with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and other security agencies in preparation for the commencement of operations.
“The deployment covers major railway stations along the route and operational coaches to provide adequate security for passengers, their property and the entire service in order to prevent any unforseen incidence,” it said.
The IGP, according to the statement, has also assured the general public, especially intending passengers, of adequate protection of lives and property, as “all hands are on deck to fortify the railway services along the route and other rail lines across the country.”