NSIB Deepens Investigation Into Warri-Itakpe Train Derailment, Recovers Critical Evidence
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has intensified its investigation into the tragic derailment along the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor, announcing that key evidence has been recovered and crucial on-site investigative activities have been completed as efforts continue to determine the cause of the accident.
The Bureau disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying its investigators have made significant progress in the probe into the incident, which occurred on Monday, 8 June 2026.
According to the statement, the Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., led the Bureau’s team to the scene immediately after the accident was reported to commence an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the derailment.
Joining him at the accident site were the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr Kayode Opeifa, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, in what the Bureau described as a coordinated response involving key stakeholders and relevant authorities in the transportation sector.
During the operation, investigators undertook extensive documentation of the crash scene, inspected the affected railway infrastructure and equipment, collected technical and operational data, and interviewed personnel connected with the operation of the train.
The NSIB stated that evidence gathered from witness testimonies, operational records, maintenance logs and other sources would now be subjected to detailed analysis by specialists to establish the sequence of events and determine the factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Expressing sympathy to those affected, Captain Badeh Jr. said the Bureau remained committed to conducting a thorough and evidence-based inquiry that would ultimately enhance safety across the nation’s rail system.
“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,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that the Bureau would pursue the facts without prejudice and issue practical safety recommendations designed to address identified risks and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“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,” the NSIB chief added.
Beyond the technical aspects of the investigation, the Director General demonstrated what the Bureau described as its commitment to the human side of transportation safety by interacting with passengers affected by the derailment and commiserating with families who lost loved ones.
He also visited victims receiving treatment at various primary healthcare centres and hospitals, offering words of comfort and reassurance while conveying the condolences of the Federal Government and the NSIB.
The Bureau said 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 to ensure a comprehensive investigation.
It also commended the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Air Force for their cooperation and support, noting that their assistance enabled the prompt mobilisation of resources and granted investigators access to facilities and operational information necessary for the exercise.
Reaffirming the mandate of the agency, the NSIB stressed that its investigations are safety-focused and not intended to assign blame or establish criminal or civil liability.
Rather, it explained, the purpose is to uncover the circumstances surrounding the occurrence, identify the causal and contributory factors, and recommend measures that would strengthen the safety of railway operations across Nigeria.
The Bureau assured the public that its findings and recommendations would be made available upon the conclusion of the investigation, adding that the outcome would be aimed at improving rail safety and minimising the risk of future accidents.
It further pledged to keep Nigerians informed as more information emerges from the ongoing inquiry.
The statement was signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe.
The Warri-Itakpe rail line, one of Nigeria’s major standard-gauge corridors, links Delta State with Kogi State and serves as a vital transport route for passengers and economic activities across the region.
The latest derailment has renewed concerns over rail safety and underscored the importance of the ongoing investigation in preventing similar incidents in the future.
