A passenger train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed on Tuesday morning, sparking panic among passengers and concern among their families.

The incident occurred along the Kaduna corridor shortly after the train departed Abuja at about 11:00 a.m. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with passengers scrambling in fear and confusion.

The cause of the derailment has yet to be established, and there were no immediate reports of casualties. Security sources, however, confirmed that military personnel had been deployed to assist in evacuating stranded passengers.

Initially, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) declined to comment. Later, in a statement signed by its Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, the NRC confirmed that the derailment involved its Kaduna-bound AKTS service.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at 11:09 a.m. at kilometre 49, between Kubwa and Asham stations. Opeifa added that emergency responders, medical teams, and nearby hospitals had been mobilised, while security operatives were already on the ground.

“Efforts are ongoing to move all passengers safely back to Abuja,” the NRC assured.