Prof. Usman Yusuf, Secretary, Chief of Defense Staff Action Committee (CDSAC), announced on Wednesday afternoon that the 23 remaining captives kidnapped during the attacks on train in the ill-fated Abuja – Kaduna have been released by the terrorists who abducted them months back.
He said, “I am pleased to announce to the nation and the world that at 1600Hrs. (4:00pm) yesterday (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.
The Kaduna-bound train with about 1,000 passengers was bombed on its tracks shortly before reaching its destination on March 28, 2022, by Boko Haram terrorists and bandit gangs.
Out of the passengers on board the train, eight were killed with scores sustaining serious injuries, while about 180 travellers were forcefully abducted and taken into the bush. Since the incident about nine months ago, the terrorists have been releasing the captives in batches with millions of Naira paid as ransom. It was reported that the terrorists collected over N1billion from that singular episode within the shores of Nigeria.
