Banditry: Tinubu approves fresh security equipment to secure trains

President Bola Tinubu has authorized the acquisition of extra train coaches and security gear aimed at enhancing railway services and combating banditry, abductions, and destruction. This decision encompasses more coaches to expand passenger and cargo capacity, along with surveillance systems to safeguard railway infrastructure and safeguard travelers.

Funso Adebiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, announced these measures during an inspection of the Kano-Maradi railway project on Saturday. He revealed that the ministry is also imparting training to railway personnel to operate and maintain the newly acquired coaches once they arrive. Accompanied by Sen. Adetokunbo Ademola Ade-John and other officials, Adebiyi also visited the casting of a bridge beam along the route.

He emphasized that insecurity continues to pose a significant threat, stating that assaults on railway infrastructure disrupt operations, endanger lives, and escalate maintenance expenses. Referring to the Abuja-Kaduna corridor as a case in point for the security risks confronting railway operations, Adebiyi expressed satisfaction that President Tinubu has approved the procurement of surveillance security equipment nationwide, with the team diligently working to make this a reality.