The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed a derailment incident involving one of its trains on the Warri–Itakpe rail line near Agbor, Delta State.
In a statement on Sunday, the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, said the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and was likely caused by suspected track vandalism.
According to him, two of the seven coaches on the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) derailed at Kilometer 212+8m, near Agbor.
“We are pleased to confirm that all passengers on board were safely evacuated to Agbor, and everyone has been fully accounted for. No casualties or injuries were recorded,” Opeifa stated.
He added that a recovery team, supported by security personnel, had been at the site since Saturday night conducting rescue and recovery operations, which he said were progressing steadily.
As a precaution, the NRC announced a temporary suspension of train services on the Warri–Itakpe corridor on Sunday to allow for a comprehensive security and safety audit of the track and related infrastructure.
“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause our valued passengers and the general public,” Opeifa said, assuring that normal operations will resume once the route is certified safe.
The Warri–Itakpe rail line, a major passenger and freight route in southern Nigeria, has recorded a few operational disruptions in recent years, with authorities repeatedly warning against acts of vandalism along the corridor.
