The Warri-Itakpe train has derailed in the Agbor area of Delta State, four days after the resumption of train service was announced.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.
It said that the derailment, which occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, might have been caused by vandals.
It also said two out of the seven coaches of the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) were involved.
In a statement by its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Opeifa, the NRC said no casualties were recorded.
‘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.
‘Our recovery team, supported by security personnel, has been at the site since last night, carrying out recovery operations. These efforts are progressing steadily and are expected to be completed soon’, the statement partly read.
Opeifa also said train services on the corridor had been temporarily suspended for a comprehensive safety audit of the track and related infrastructure.
‘As a precautionary measure, train services on the corridor have been temporarily suspended today to enable 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. Normal operations will resume as soon as it is verified safe to do so’, the statement added.
The NRC had suspended operations on the Warri-Itakpe rail line for 72 hours on 10 April 2025, following multiple engine failures that disrupted services on 9 April.
In February 2025, operations were halted due to a technical fault but resumed on 22 February.
But the agency had on 26 October 2025, said the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) would resume operations on 29 October 2025.
