NSIB Secures Key Evidence in Warri-Itakpe Train Derailment Investigation

By Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) announced that it has recovered critical evidence as it continues to investigate the train derailment that occurred on 8 June 2026 along the Warri‑Itakpe rail corridor.

The announcement was made in a statement released on Wednesday by the bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Funke Adebayo‑Arowojobe.

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

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

The bureau said the investigators documented the scene, examined the damaged rail equipment and infrastructure, collected operational and technical data, and interviewed personnel involved in the train’s operation.

“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 read.

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

“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,” he said. “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 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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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