Banditry: Tinubu approves fresh security equipment to secure trains

President Bola Tinubu has authorized the acquisition of additional train coaches and security equipment to enhance railway services and combat banditry, kidnapping, and vandalism. The approval encompasses more coaches to expand passenger and freight capacity, along with surveillance systems to safeguard rail infrastructure and passenger safety.

Funso Adebiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, revealed these details on Saturday during an inspection of the Kano-Maradi railway project. He informed that the ministry will also train railway personnel to operate and maintain the newly acquired coaches post-delivery. Accompanied by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Transportation and Mobility, Prince Adetokunbo Ademola Ade-John, and other officials, Adebiyi also inspected the casting of a bridge beam on the railway corridor.

He emphasized that insecurity poses a significant challenge, stating that attacks on rail infrastructure disrupt operations, jeopardize lives, and escalate maintenance costs. Adebiyi highlighted the Abuja-Kaduna corridor as a prime example of the security threats confronting railway operations. The President has approved the procurement of surveillance security equipment nationwide, and his administration is working tirelessly to ensure its timely implementation.