The Delta State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commandant Chinedu F. Igbo, on 8 June 2026, led a team of senior officers on an assessment visit to the scene of the train derailment at Owa-Oyibu in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.
As the lead agency responsible for the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, the NSCDC considered the visit necessary to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the incident, evaluate the circumstances surrounding the derailment, monitor ongoing recovery operations, and ensure adequate security coverage at the affected location.
The Commandant and his entourage were received by officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), railway engineers, representatives of sister security agencies, and members of the host community.
During the visit, Commandant Igbo interacted with relevant stakeholders, including NSCDC personnel attached to the Nigerian Railway Corporation under the leadership of Deputy Commandant B.O. Ogbaji, as well as officers from the Ika North-East Divisional Office.
Observations at the accident scene revealed significant damage to several sections of the train following the derailment. Railway engineers and other technical personnel were actively engaged in examining the wreckage to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the incident.
Preliminary findings indicate that excessive speed may have contributed to the accident. However, the actual cause remains subject to the outcome of ongoing investigations being conducted by the appropriate authorities.
The assessment team also visited injured victims of the accident, including five NSCDC personnel who were part of the train escort team and sustained injuries during the incident. The affected officers are currently receiving treatment at the Central Hospital, Agbor.
Commandant Igbo reassured stakeholders of the commitment of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to ensuring the effective protection of the nation’s critical assets and infrastructure across the country.
While expressing his heartfelt condolences to the families of passengers who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident, the Commandant prayed for the quick recovery of all those injured and reiterated the Corps’ determination to continue working with relevant agencies to safeguard critical national infrastructure and prevent future occurrences. :::