Security agents have been deployed in bushes and train stations on the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor, it was learnt yesterday.

The deployment of soldiers and other security agents is one of the security measures initiated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) management to thwart alleged plot to attack trains plying the route.

The Nation also gathered from a top official of the NRC that each train will now have, at least,15 riot policemen on board. This is apart from a close circuit camera and Thuraya phone in each coach.

The official, who declined to be named, explained that the security measures were in line with the content of a letter to the NRC by the Federal Capital Territory  (FCT) command of the  Department of State Services (DSS).

The NRC top shot said:  “I spoke with the security team today and they confirmed to me that soldiers have already been deployed in the forests. The men deployed include personnel from the Air Force and  Army.

“I can confirm that to you because some of the staff who were on escort operation with the train from Abuja-Kaduna saw some of the soldiers in each of the stations and even in the bushes.

“From the information available to me, the Chief of Defence Staff, in collaboration with the Chief of Army Staff, instructed that the bushes in Rigasa, Jere and Asham be combed thoroughly to fish out the bad elements.

“The number of security personnel on the train has not increased, but on each trip from Abuja to Kaduna, not less than 15 Mobile Police Officers join the train and they are fully armed.

“We also have surveillance camera installed on each of the locomotives, which is monitored from the Idu Station. So, the operators can see what is going in and around the train.

“The stations have also been equipped with Thuraya phone and calls from it can be monitored from the NRC headquarters in Lagos and also by the Force Headquarters in Abuja.”