The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation,
Mr Fidet Okhiria, said that Nigerians intending to travel by rail should get
their National Identity Number ready as it would be a requirement from May
2022.
The commission disclosed in Abuja on Thursday that the NIN
would be needed to enhance the profiling of passengers, which he said would
also enhance the safety and security of rail users.
This move may not be unconnected to the recent terror attack
on an Abuja-Kaduna bound train, where many passengers were killed and injured,
with hundreds yet displaced – purportedly abducted by the yet-unidentified
suspected terrorists.
“The process of linking passengers to their NIN for improved
profiling is ongoing. This layer of passenger screening will commence by May.
“The Abuja-Kaduna Train Service will resume as soon as
possible with additional security measures put in place,’’ Okhiria stated.
The NRC suspended the Abuja-Kaduna route following a March
28 daring attack by assailants, who injured passengers and kidnapped many.
Okhiria said the security agencies were working tirelessly
to ensure the rescue and release of all abductees, noting that 362 passengers
and 20 crew members were aboard the train when it was plundered.
“While we continue to sympathise with families of those who
lost or have not seen their loved ones, we encourage anyone still looking for a
loved one to please call us.
“The numbers to call
are 08033546208, 08060044600 and 07066700150.
“The corporation will continue to update the general public
of the latest developments,’’ he stated.
Okhiria added that as part of security measures in forestalling
future occurrences, the NRC had re-railed the last rolling stock affected in
the attack.
“This means that all the 14 de-railed rolling stock (11
coaches, two rescue coaches and one locomotive engine on the rescue train) have
all been re-railed – from the incident site to our stations at Idu, Abuja and
Rigasa, Kaduna.
“Intensive track repair work continues at the site. An
advanced level of track repairs has been achieved and hopefully, it will be
rounded off in 10 days,’’ he explained.
“The NRC expresses its profound gratitude to security
agencies for the continued support, especially for the security cover availed
our officials and staff at the incident site,’’ Okhiria stated.
NAN
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