Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has hailed the release of twenty three remaining kidnapped passenger from the Abuja-Kaduna train attack that occurred on 28-3-2022.
According to his social media platform, the President said he welcomed with much happiness the safe release of these remaining kidnapped train passengers held in captivity by Boko Haram terrorists.
He applauded the Nigerian Military and other security agencies for the great news. “Like the entire nation, I am delighted by this news, and we are all grateful to the military and other security agencies.
“Our nation’s Armed Forces, and all other security and intelligence agencies, are as good as any. Given the needed support, encouragement, as we have been doing, there is no task that they cannot accomplish.
“I commend them for this remarkable outcome. I congratulate and rejoice with the families of the victims for having them back alive. We must continue to work to secure every inch of our land, the President said.
Buhari made it very clear to the security and intelligence agencies that the ongoing momentum being experienced in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping must be sustained at all times, across the country.
Earlier, the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General L E O Irabor said he has secured the release and took custody of all the 23 remaining passengers held hostage by Boko Haram Terrorists following the attack on the Abuja to Kaduna train on 28-3-2022.
In a statement signed by the Secretary, Chief of Defense Staff Action Committee, Prof. Usman Yusuf on Wednesday, announcing to the nation how the Committee have made the achievement.
According to the statement, “The nation owes a debt of gratitude to the Nigerian Military under the leadership of the CDS who conceived and guided the operation from start to finish.
“All sister Security Agencies and the Federal Ministry of Transportation contributed immensely to this Operation. The unwavering support of the President and Commander in Chief GCFR is what made it all possible.
“Members of this Committee are grateful for the rare honour and privilege to be part of this Humanitarian Operation. May God Almighty Heal Our Wounds and Bring Peace to Our Land”, the statement said.
Meanwhile, the terrorists, who attacked the AK9 Abuja-Kaduna train, had before now released hostages piecemeal with the last release being on August 19, 2022.
The insurgents had blown up the rail track and bombed the moving train, killing some and abducting more than 60 passengers, as the attack had attracted international and national outrage.
Distraught family members had protested several times to demand the release of their loved ones.