Probe deepens into Warri-Itakpe train derailment

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has said its investigation into the derailment of a train operating along the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor has progressed with the retrieval of critical evidence and the completion of key on-site investigative activities.

The NSIB disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday following the accident that occurred on Monday, June 8, 2026. According to the bureau, its Director-General, Capt Alex Badeh Jr., led the investigation team to the accident scene shortly after notification of the incident to commence inquiries into the cause of the derailment.

The statement noted that Badeh was accompanied by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Mr Kayode Opeifa, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, as part of a coordinated response involving relevant transportation stakeholders and authorities.

It stated, “At the scene, investigators conducted documentation of the accident site, examined the affected rail equipment and infrastructure, gathered operational and technical information, and interviewed relevant personnel connected to the operation of the train.”

The bureau added that evidence recovered from witness interviews, operational records, maintenance documentation and other investigative sources would undergo detailed examination by its specialists.

Speaking at the accident 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.

“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.

“We will follow the facts wherever they lead and generate actionable safety recommendations aimed at systematically addressing identified risks and preventing a recurrence on our railway network,” he said.

The NSIB said Badeh also met with passengers affected by the derailment and commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives, conveying the condolences of both the bureau and the government.

According to the statement, the Director-General visited injured victims receiving treatment at various primary healthcare centres and hospitals, where he offered words of comfort, support and reassurance.

The bureau stated that it was working closely with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Federal Ministry of Health and other relevant federal and state agencies throughout the investigation process.

It added, “NSIB acknowledges and appreciates the cooperation of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Federal Ministry of Transportation, and Nigeria Air Force, whose support facilitated the efficient mobilisation of resources and access to operational facilities and information required by the investigative team.”

The bureau reiterated that its investigations are safety-focused and non-punitive. “The purpose of the investigation is not to apportion blame or determine civil or criminal liability, but to establish the circumstances of the occurrence, identify causal and contributing factors, and determine measures that can enhance the safety of rail transportation operations in Nigeria,” the statement read.

It added that upon completion of the investigation, its findings and safety recommendations would be published to strengthen rail transport safety and reduce the likelihood of similar occurrences. The bureau noted that further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.

The Warri-Itakpe train derailment occurred on Monday along the Agbor axis of Delta State, disrupting operations on one of Nigeria’s most important standard-gauge rail corridors.

Following the incident, emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency, deployed teams to the scene to assist affected passengers and coordinate rescue efforts. The Nigerian Railway Corporation had earlier confirmed that investigations were underway to ascertain the cause of the derailment.