In a recent development, the Department of State Services (DSS) has taken into custody Pascal Nnorli, the manager responsible for overseeing the Abuja-Kaduna train services. This action follows allegations of his involvement in leaking a sensitive security document. The document in question contained crucial information about a potential bandit attack on the Abuja-Kaduna railway.
Several news reports have highlighted that the DSS issued a security alert on Wednesday, cautioning the Nigerian Railway Corporation about an imminent threat of banditry targeting the Abuja-Kaduna train link. The alert, presented in a memo signed by FCT Command’s Director of the DSS, R.N. Adepemu, called for heightened security awareness among train passengers.
Sources within the Nigerian Railway Corporation reveal that Pascal Nnorli’s apprehension was not a standalone event. Alongside him, the Operations Manager, Victor Adamu, and other staff members were also arrested. The arrest appears to be linked to the leak of the aforementioned DSS memo.
A reliable source within the organization stated, “Since last Thursday, there have been ongoing arrests of our manager and the operations manager, Pascal and Victor. Although one of them has been released, Victor is seemingly a collateral detainee due to his presence in Pascal’s office. They were apprehended along with Pascal’s staff and taken to the DSS office.”
The same source disclosed that the leaked document contained vital information about the impending attack and was addressed to the Managing Director of the NRC. It explicitly warned that the document’s exposure could lead to arrests. “The reason for their arrest is still unclear, but reports suggest that the leak stemmed from a letter regarding the Abuja-Kaduna attack. This letter was directed to our Managing Director and contained a clear statement that its leak could result in arrests. DSS authorities indicated that the letter was left in Pascal’s office, leading to its unintended circulation.”
Another insider shared their perspective, “While I lack comprehensive details concerning my superior’s arrest, I acknowledge the necessity of agencies like the DSS in safeguarding national security. As a critical public transportation entity, we must prioritize passenger safety and prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.”
Despite attempts to contact him, Managing Director of NRC, Fidet Okhiria, remained unreachable via phone or text messages.
News reports emphasize that the Abuja-Kaduna train service holds significant importance as a major transport link connecting the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with Kaduna State. Regularly witnessing a substantial influx of passengers, this route’s security arrangements have consistently been a paramount concern for authorities. Given the reliance of numerous commuters on this mode of transportation, ensuring their safety remains a top priority.
