The Department of State Security (DSS) has revealed that a coalition of bandits are planning to attack the Abuja-Kaduna Train service with the aim of kidnapping the passengers on for ransom.
The secret police in a security alert memo said dated August 1, 2023, said in view of the threat inherent and the need to forestall likely breach of security along the Abuja – Kaduna Train Service (AKTS), existing security arrangements be scaled up within and along the route
It said: “Intelligence report indicates impending threat to seamless train transportation along the Abuja – Kaduna Train Service (AKTS).
“The development is sequel to the plot by a coalition of banditry syndicate to attack Abuja — Kaduna Train Service aimed at kidnapping passengers on board for ransom any moment from now.
“In view of the threat inherent and the need to forestall likely breach of security along the AKTS, it is advised that existing security arrangements be scaled up within and along the route.”
The secret police further stressed the need for the under-listed counter security measures to be emplaced to nip in the bud the impending threats.
This, it said, included: Air surveillance patrol; Surveillance on the rail track; Military checkpoint/ patrol; Police checkpoint/ patrol; Security raid operation be carry out around Byazhin, Jibi, as well as Ija forest.
Others are: Enhance the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (NPMF) operatives with walkie talkie to sustain escort Services on train; Deploy more Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with walkie-talkie to provide escort duty; Crisis response team be established in the advent of attack for quick response time; and Intelligence sharing amongst all relevant stakeholders.
The DSS said the aforementioned threat was yet to be in the public domain because the development was capable of heightening fears over safety of lives and property amongst stakeholders and commuters of trail transportation along the AKTS corridor.