Train Operations Suspended on Warri–Itakpe Route Over Technical Concerns

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the temporary suspension of operations on the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) following operational and technical concerns identified by its engineers.

In a statement issued by the corporation’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the suspension was described as a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring passenger safety, service reliability, and improved operational efficiency along the corridor.

According to the NRC, the temporary halt became necessary to enable critical assessments and address technical issues affecting the rail line.

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The corporation expressed regret over the inconvenience the development may cause passengers and other stakeholders, assuring the public that efforts are ongoing to resolve the issues promptly.

It added that passengers and intending travellers would be informed before the end of the week on the date scheduled for the resumption of train services.

The NRC reaffirmed its commitment to delivering safe, efficient, and customer-friendly railway transportation across the country.

Meanwhile, the corporation has raised concerns over increasing cases of railway vandalism in parts of the North-East and North-Central regions, warning that the trend poses serious risks to passenger safety and national infrastructure.

The NRC disclosed that recent incidents were recorded in Plateau and Bauchi states, describing the attacks as acts of sabotage against critical national assets.

According to the corporation, one of the incidents involved a truck allegedly conveying vandalised railway materials which became trapped between Kuru and Science School, Kuru, in Plateau State on May 21, 2026.

It also revealed that railway slippers were removed along the Zango axis in Bauchi State between kilometre 878 and 889, leaving only disconnected rail tracks.

The corporation warned that continued vandalism could lead to train accidents, disruption of rail services, loss of lives, and destruction of government investments worth billions of naira.