The federal government on Monday May 16, announced that the Abuja-Kaduna train service will resume on May 23.
The announcement was made weeks after some passengers were kidnapped and killed by gunmen who attacked a train. Most of those abducted are still in captivity.
Spokesperson of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Yakubu Mahmood said the decision to resume services does not mean efforts to secure the safe release of those abducted will be put on hold.
The NRC also said additional security measures are being put in place to beef up security at the train stations and along the track.
The statement read;
“The Government wishes to assure the relatives of the abducted citizens still in captivity that the safe rescue of these passengers is a top priority and not to misconstrue the resumption of train services, as abandonment or nonchalant attitude of the government towards their plight.
“The Federal Government will never abdicate its responsibility in rescuing these valuable citizens, however, the government assures of its resolve not to succumb to threats by any faceless group.
“These measures are not only for the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) but also for all the passenger train services especially on the standard gauge railway lines.
“Consequently, the passengers are hereby enjoined to cooperate with the NRC in order to enjoin improved service delivery, safety and comfort by patiently complying with additional measures that will surely be introduced for the safety of our passengers, such as requesting for passengers National Identification Numbers (NIN) as part of our internal security check.”
The NRC said customers must present a Valid Photo Identification Card (ID) and a reachable telephone number of Next of Kin (NOK) or close relative before boarding a train.
Online and offline purchase of tickets must contain the passengers individual profile or identification data, the NRC added.