The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has deployed an alternative locomotive to rescue a Port Harcourt–Aba passenger train that broke down last week, leaving travellers stranded.
The train, which was heading from Aba to Port Harcourt, developed a severe fault near the Imo River on September 3.
Engineers were unable to restore it on site, forcing some passengers to seek other means of transportation, while others were eventually brought back safely by NRC staff.
Viral videos from the scene showed travellers trekking long distances and wading through a stream after the breakdown.
Train ride from Port Harcourt to Aba ended in a bush, endangering people's lives in the middle of nowhere 😑 😀 🙈🙉.
— ChrisCE (@ChrisEkwedam) September 5, 2025
The amount of irresponsibility in the country is huge and nobody is held accountable.
For the record. pic.twitter.com/bzAjmNdQdq
The NRC spokesperson for the Eastern District, Onyedikachi Onovo, said locomotive engine 2306 was immediately dispatched to tow the disabled train back to Port Harcourt.
He added that the faulty locomotive is now undergoing extensive repairs to ensure it meets the corporation’s quality control standards before returning to service.
The corporation advised affected passengers to present proof of payment at Aba or Port Harcourt stations for refunds or replacement tickets.
Regular train operations on the corridor are expected to resume on Tuesday, September 9.
Onovo said the NRC remains committed to safer and more reliable services under the federal government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
