By LUCY OGALUE

Intending railway passengers should get their National Identity Number (NIN) ready as it will be a requirement from May.

Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr Fidet Okhiria, stated in Abuja on Thursday that the NIN would be needed to enhance profiling of passengers.

This, he explained, would also enhance safety and security of rail users.

“The process of linking passengers to their NIN for improved profiling is on-going. This layer of passenger screening will commence by May.

“The Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) will resume as soon as possible with additional security measures put in place,” Okhiria stated.

The NRC suspended the Abuja-Kaduna route following a March 28 attack by assailants, who injured passengers and kidnapped some.

Okhiria said the security agencies were working tirelessly to ensure the rescue and release of all abducted passengers.

He stressed that 362 passengers and 20 crew members were on board the train when it was attacked.

“While we continue to sympathise with families of those who lost or have not seen their loved ones, we encourage anyone still looking for a loved one to please call us.

“The numbers to call are: 08033546208, 08060044600 and 07066700150.

“The corporation will continue to update the general public of latest developments,” he stated.

Okhiria added that the NRC had re-railed the last rolling stock affected in the attack.

“This means that all the 14 de-railed rolling stock (11 coaches, two rescue coaches and one Locomotive engine on the Rescue Train) have all been re-railed from the incident site to our stations at Idu, Abuja and Rigasa, Kaduna.

“Intensive track repair work continues at site. An advanced level of track repairs has been achieved and hopefully it will be rounded off in 10 days,” he explained.

“The NRC expresses its profound gratitude to security agencies for the continued support, especially for the security cover availed our officials and staff at the incident site,” Okhiria stated. (NAN)

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