The military and the Nigeria Police Force on Friday said security operatives have been deployed in various train stations nationwide.
This comes as the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Railway Corporation, declared free rides for 340,000 train users travelling to their hometowns for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
According to the NRC, the free rides are part of government’s palliative measures aimed at providing relief to Nigerians and facilitating seamless and affordable transport across major routes during the festive season.
On Monday, the Federal Government announced that the free train rides would run nationwide from December 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that the initiative was designed to ease transportation costs during the yuletide.
Key train routes expected to witness significant activities include Lagos-Ibadan, Lagos-Abeokuta, Abeokuta-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna, and Warri-Itakpe.
Train stations such as the Port Harcourt Railway Station, Prof. Wole Soyinka Train Station in Abeokuta, Chief Obafemi Awolowo Train Station in Ibadan, Itakpe-Ajaokuta/Aladja-Warri Railway Station, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Rail Station in Abuja are expected to experience a heavy security presence due to the influx of passengers.
Speaking on the security arrangements for the free train services, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Buba Edward, said the military, in collaboration with other security agencies, would provide robust security for trains and passengers.
He said, “The military, in collaboration with other security agencies, will be providing security to protect the trains and passengers.”
Similarly, the Commissioner of Police, Railway Command, Iliyasu Kwarbai, disclosed that comprehensive security measures had been put in place for passenger safety.
He revealed that security personnel had also been deployed in train stations to manage crowds due to the anticipated surge in passengers.
Kwarbai said, “We have put everything in place to ensure safety and manage the crowd because we have seen a surge in the number of passengers for the free train service.
“We have communicated with all our Divisional Police Officers and Area Commanders in the states to ensure security is reinforced at the various train stations. We started today (Friday), and everything is going smoothly.
“We are liaising with railway officials and have strengthened security at the train stations. Additionally, we have deployed more escorts on the trains. The operations commenced this morning, and so far, everything is going seamlessly.”
“Today is the first free ride under this palliative initiative introduced by the Federal Government. We are committed to ensuring the programme’s success,” he added.
“We will enforce the free train ride policy to ensure it runs smoothly. Glory be to God, today was a success. Passengers with tickets boarded first, while those without tickets were profiled, their ID cards checked, and they were allowed to board. The important thing is that every passenger travelled free of charge.”
