Train Attack: Buhari credits his government for freeing victims kidnapped six months ago

President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tribute to his government for securing the release of hostages kidnapped six months ago on a government-run train.

The government announced on Wednesday that the remaining 23 hostages had been released around 4 p.m. Wednesday. They were among dozens of people abducted when terrorists attacked a train bound for Kaduna on March 28.

The train left Abuja for Kaduna before being attacked in a community in Kaduna by the terrorists.

According to a statement from his spokesperson, Buhari "thanked his government for resolving the problem and de-escalating terrorism, banditry and kidnappings which have recently increased, giving assurances that efforts will be supported".

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The President expressed his joy and appreciation to the military as well as other security agencies for the safe release of the remaining 23 passengers.

"The nation owes a debt of gratitude to the military and all other security and intelligence agencies for the smooth running of the operation that led to the release of the hostages," wrote Garba Shehu, security guard. word of the president, in a press release sent to journalists. .

He said the agencies had demonstrated exceptional capabilities that the whole world would take note of.

“The armed forces of this country are as good as any. Given the necessary support and encouragement as we have, there is no task they cannot perform.

“I congratulate them on this remarkable achievement,” said Mr. Shehu quoting the president.

While expressing satisfaction over the eventual release of the remaining hostages, Buhari also praised the families of the victims for bringing them back alive.

According to him, the relief that comes to the nation following the closure of this unfortunate saga must be supported at all times, throughout the federation.

The Train Attack

PREMIUM TIMES reported the attack on the train bound for Kaduna on March 28. At least eight people died in the attack while 168 people were missing, most of whom were believed to have been kidnapped.

The train left Abuja for Kaduna before being attacked in a community in Kaduna by the terrorists.

While dozens of train passengers were kidnapped, many more were not.

The terrorists had previously released some of the hostages in batches after the ransom was paid by relatives.

The intermediary who helped the families of the victims to negotiate with the terrorists, Tukur Mamu, was however arrested by the secret police, SSS.

Mr. Mamu was arrested on September 7 for alleged complicity with the terrorists.

He was arrested in Egypt on his way to Saudi Arabia for a lesser Hajj. He is still being held by the secret police.

In Wednesday's statement announcing the release of the remaining hostages, the government did not specify how they were freed. In the past, the government had tried to strike prisoner swap deals with the terrorists, but accused the terrorists of reneging on the deals.

Kaduna in northwestern Nigeria is one of the terror-troubled states with various armed groups, called bandits by locals, killing and kidnapping people from rural communities.

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