Details are sketchy, but defence authorities have announced the release of the remaining 23 passengers and staff of the Abuja-Kaduna bound train held hostage for more than six months.
The released captives are in the custody of the the seven-man presidential committee assembled by the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General LEO Irabor.
A statement by the committee signed by its secretary, Professor Usman Yusuf reads: “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 LEO 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”.
