- Source speculates arrest connected to leakage of DSS memo containing sensitive attack information.
- Leaked letter addressed to NRC Managing Director warned about potential arrests if contents became public
The Department of State Services (DSS) has apprehended Pascal Nnorli, the Manager of Abuja-Kaduna Kaduna Train Services, in relation to the disclosure of a memorandum that alerted to a potential terrorist attack on the Abuja-Kaduna railway.
A trustworthy insider from the Nigerian Railway Corporation disclosed to reporters on anonymity grounds that the manager, along with Operations Manager Victor Adamu and other personnel, were taken into custody.
Last Wednesday, the DSS issued a security advisory to the Nigerian Railway Corporation regarding a plot by bandits to target the Abuja-Kaduna train route at an undetermined time.
In a memorandum signed by R.N. Adepemu, the Director of DSS, FCT Command, the intelligence agency cautioned train passengers to exercise vigilance about their security.
In conversation with Punch on Sunday, the NRC insider revealed, “You should be aware that they apprehended our manager since last Thursday – both of them, the operations manager and Pascal. However, they have released one of them. Victor found himself in an unfortunate situation as he was present in Pascal’s office when the arrest was made, leading to his detention alongside Pascal’s team. Pascal is presently still in custody.”
The source suggested that the arrest might be linked to the leakage of the DSS memorandum.
The source claims that the letter, which detailed sensitive information about the attack, was addressed to the Managing Director of the NRC, stressing that it explicitly warned that if the letter were to leak, it could lead to arrests.
“I couldn’t tell why they arrested them but what I am hearing is they said one letter concerning this Abuja-Kaduna attack, they wrote one letter to our Managing Director and it states clearly that if the letter leaks, it can lead to arrest and according to DSS it was Pascal’s office they dropped the letter and the letter leaked and went viral.”
When contacted, the Managing Director, NRC, Fidet Okhiria, declined comments.