Shehu Sani, former Senator for Kaduna Central, took to social media yesterday to share his firsthand experience driving from Kaduna to Abuja.
The journey, according to him was undertaken due to the suspension of train services caused by the NLC protests.
He said the journey provided an opportunity for him to assess the security situation on the once-troubled route.
Senator Sani‘s account paints a picture of a significantly increased military presence along the highway.
He noted the deployment of well-armed soldiers and armoured vehicles at previously known “dangerous spots” where terrorist activity was rampant.
He said,
“Yesterday, the Railways sold tickets but suspended services because of the NLC protests. I mustered courage and drove from Kaduna to Abuja. I found out that all the dangerous spots where terrorists lay siege are now dominated by the presence of well-armed soldiers with armoured vehicles.”
He further relayed his conversations with locals in several villages, who confirmed a noticeable improvement in their sense of security compared to the past, a period marked by frequent kidnappings and killings.
Yesterday, the Railways sold tickets but suspended services because of the NLC protests. I mustered courage and drove from Kaduna to Abuja. I found out that all the dangerous spots where terrorists lay siege are now dominated by the presence of well-armed soldiers with armoured…
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) February 28, 2024
While acknowledging the “kudos” deserved by the military, Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, National Security Advisor, and other security agencies for their vigilance, Senator Sani humorously added, “However, when the train resumes, na train I go still de use” (However, I will still use the train when it resumes).
Senator Sani’s personal experience underscores the complexities surrounding security challenges in Nigeria, particularly in the aftermath of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
While the increased military deployment appears to be deterring criminal activity and fostering a growing sense of security among locals, a complete sense of public trust in the route’s safety seems to be gradually developing.
This firsthand account adds to the ongoing discourse on security issues in Nigeria.
It highlights the need for sustained efforts from security agencies and continued improvements in public confidence to ensure lasting safety and encourage the use of critical transportation routes like the Abuja-Kaduna railway.