TheCable

The Department of State Services (DSS) has warned of an impending terror attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train.

The secret police said a “coalition of banditry syndicate” is plotting to attack the train service in order to kidnap passengers for ransom.

In a leaked memo seen by TheCable and addressed to the managing director, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), DSS advised that existing security arrangements along the route should be “scaled up”.

The memo, which was dated August 11, 2023, was signed by R.N Dopemu, director, DSS FCT command.

“Intelligence report indicates impending threat to seamless train transportation along the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS),” the memo reads.

“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 memo came 16 months after terrorists attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train at Kateri-Rijana area of Kaduna, on March 28, 2022.

The gunmen blew up the rail track before launching an attack on the passengers.

The incident led to the death of at least eight passengers and the abduction of others.

The abducted passengers were released in batches, with the last set freed in October 2022.

In December 2022, the Abuja-Kaduna train service resumed operations after an eight-month hiatus.

To confirm the memo, TheCable reached out to Peter Afunanya, the DSS spokesperson, but a response is yet to be received.

However, a highly-placed source in the DSS told TheCable that the memo originated from the secret police.