By Daniel Edu
The Department of State Services (DSS) has released a security advisory regarding a significant conspiracy by bandits to launch an assault on the Abuja-Kaduna train service in the near future.
Recalling the past incident on March 28, 2022, when an Abuja-Kaduna bound train was targeted in Katari village, Kaduna, leading to a temporary suspension of operations on the route by the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), the DSS has now revealed in a leaked document that the Abuja-Kaduna train service is facing a renewed threat.
The confidential memo, signed by R.N. Adepemu, Director of the DSS FCT Command, is titled ‘Security Alert: Impending Threat by a Coalition of Banditry Syndicate to Attack Abuja-Kaduna Train Service Along AKTS Corridor.’ The DSS has urged passengers using the train to exercise enhanced vigilance.
The DSS notice cautioned against a looming “threat to uninterrupted train transportation along the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service.” The internal communication outlined intelligence indicating a joint effort by a coalition of banditry groups to stage an attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train, with the aim of abducting passengers for ransom.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) leadership has emphasized their commitment to not succumb to terrorist propaganda. This comes in response to a video circulated by a terrorist group in Niger State, claiming responsibility for downing an NAF helicopter.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, spokesperson for the Air Force, stated, “While NAF generally refrains from responding to such claims, especially those propagated by terrorists, there is a need to address concerns raised by responsible Nigerians regarding countering this propaganda.”
He explained that due to the increased intensity of air operations, incidents like crashes and mishaps are sometimes inevitable. He emphasized that the NAF Chief of Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had acknowledged the correlation between the frequency of aircraft incidents and the heightened level of air operations. Despite these unfortunate incidents, the NAF remains dedicated to investigating the causes and learning from them.
The Air Force expressed concern about the potential impact of sharing videos of alleged crash sites and graphic images of deceased military personnel, which could inadvertently aid terrorist propaganda. The NAF’s commitment to overcoming security challenges in Niger State and other troubled regions of the country remains steadfast, and they are resolute in their mission to counter the enemy’s activities and enhance national security.
