Nigeria's investigative agency recovers crucial proof in Warri-Itakpe train crash investigation

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By Folarin Kehinde

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The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says it has retrieved critical evidence as investigations into the June 8, 2026 train derailment along the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor continue.

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The bureau disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe.

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According to the statement, the Director-General of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., led a team of investigators to the accident scene shortly after the incident was reported.

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Badeh was accompanied by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funsho Adebiyi.

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The bureau said investigators documented the accident scene, examined affected rail equipment and infrastructure, gathered operational and technical data, and interviewed personnel connected with the train’s operation.

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“The recovered evidence obtained from witness interviews, operational records, maintenance documentation and other investigative sources will be subjected to detailed examination by the bureau’s specialists,” the statement said.

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Speaking at the scene, Badeh expressed condolences to the families of victims and passengers affected by the incident.

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“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who sustained injuries and every passenger affected by this tragic occurrence.

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“We understand the pain and uncertainty such an event brings, and we want the public to be assured that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced a thorough and evidence-based investigation,” he said.

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He added that the bureau would develop safety recommendations aimed at addressing identified risks and preventing a recurrence of similar incidents on the nation’s railway network.

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The NSIB said its Director-General also met with affected passengers and visited injured victims receiving treatment at hospitals and primary healthcare centres.

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According to the bureau, it is working closely with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Federal Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies in the course of the investigation.

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The bureau also acknowledged the support of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Air Force in facilitating access to operational facilities and information required for the investigation.

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The NSIB stressed that its investigation is safety-focused and non-punitive, with the objective of establishing the circumstances surrounding the derailment, identifying causal and contributory factors, and recommending measures to improve rail transport safety.

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It added that its findings and safety recommendations would be made public upon completion of the investigation.

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