All the remaining 23 abducted Abuja-Kaduna train passengers have been released by terrorists six months after they were kidnapped on Monday, March 28, 2022.
Their release was facilitated by a Seven-man Presidential Committee assembled by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor.
In a statement sent to by the Secretary, Chief of Defense Staff Action Committee (CDSAC), Prof. Usman Yusuf, on Wednesday afternoon, he said: “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 .
Buhari welcomes release of hostages
President Muhammadu Buhari has welcomed the safe release of the remaining 23 kidnapped train passengers held in captivity by Boko Haram terrorists.
The president, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Garba Shehu, expressed his happiness and satisfaction, and that of the entire nation with the military as well as other security agencies on the development.
He directed that the relief that came to the nation arising from the closure of this unfortunate saga must be sustained at all times, all over the federation.
President Buhari also credited his government for resolving the issue and the de-escalation of the terrorism, banditry and kidnapping that surged recently, giving assurances that the efforts will be sustained.
The President said the nation owed the military and all other security and intelligence agencies a debt of gratitude for the successful conduct of the operation leading to the safe release of the hostages in line with his earlier directives.
