After Six (6) months, the remaining 23 passengers that were abducted on 28 March 2022 during the Abuja – Kaduna train terrorist attack have been released.
According to the statement signed by Prof. Usman Yusuf, Secretary, Chief of Defense Staff Action Committee (CDSAC) on Wednesday, a seven-man Presidential Committee assembled by the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General L E O Irabor, secured the release of the remaining 23 hostages.
“I am pleased to announce to the nation and the world that at 1600Hrs. (4:00pm) today, Wednesday 5-10-2022, the seven-man Presidential Committee assembled by the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General L E O Irabor, 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.
“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 of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari 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.”
On 28 March 2022, a Kaduna-bound train was attacked by the terrorists killing 8 passengers and abducting over 50 passengers on board the train. According to different sources, millions of Naira were paid for the release of the abducted passengers.
The Abuja – Kaduna train services were suspended immediately after the train attacks. The federal government and the Nigeria Railway Cooperation (NRC) promised to resume the train service after all the abducted passengers are released.
