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NSIB accident investigation team, led by Captain Alex Badeh Jnr
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced significant progress in its investigation into the train derailment that occurred along the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor on Monday, 8 June 2026, with investigators recovering critical evidence and concluding major on-site activities aimed at uncovering the cause of the accident.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Bureau disclosed that its Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., personally led a team of investigators to the accident scene shortly after the occurrence was reported, commencing what it described as a thorough and evidence-driven inquiry.
The NSIB chief was accompanied by 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, as part of a coordinated response involving key stakeholders in the transport sector.
According to the Bureau, investigators carried out extensive documentation of the crash site, examined the damaged rolling stock and railway infrastructure, collected operational and technical data, and interviewed personnel connected with the operation of the ill-fated train.
It added that evidence obtained from witness accounts, operational records, maintenance documents and other investigative sources would undergo detailed analysis by specialists to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident and identify factors that may have contributed to the derailment.
Speaking at the scene, Captain Badeh Jr. extended condolences to families affected by the tragedy and assured the public that the investigation would be conducted impartially and professionally.
“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.
“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,” he stated.
In a demonstration of what the Bureau described as its commitment to the human aspect of transportation safety, the Director General met with passengers affected by the derailment and sympathised with families who lost loved ones, conveying the condolences of both the NSIB and the Federal Government.
Captain Badeh Jr. also visited injured victims receiving treatment at various primary healthcare centres and hospitals, where he offered words of encouragement and reassured them of the government’s concern and support.
The Bureau said it is collaborating closely with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Federal Ministry of Health, as well as other relevant federal and state agencies throughout the investigation process.
NSIB also acknowledged the support received from the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Air Force, noting that their cooperation facilitated the rapid deployment of resources and provided investigators with access to operational facilities and information required for the exercise.
Reiterating the purpose of the inquiry, the Bureau stressed that the investigation is strictly safety-oriented and non-punitive.
It explained that the objective is not to apportion blame or determine criminal or civil liability, but rather to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident, identify causal and contributory factors, and recommend measures capable of improving the safety of rail transport operations across the country.
The Bureau assured that upon completion of the investigation, its findings and safety recommendations would be made public with a view to strengthening railway safety and reducing the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.
The NSIB further stated that additional updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
The statement was signed by Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.
Established as Nigeria’s multimodal transport accident investigation agency, the NSIB is mandated to conduct objective and comprehensive investigations into transport accidents and incidents, with the ultimate goal of enhancing safety through the implementation of recommendations arising from its findings.
