Terrorists free remaining 23 passengers abducted aboard Abuja-Kaduna train

The remaining 23 passengers out of more than 60 persons abducted by terrorists aboard the Abuja-Kaduna train service on March 28, 2022, have regained their freedom.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Secretary of the Chief of Defence Staff Action Committee (CDSAC), Professor Usman Yusuf in a statement.

Yusuf said the hostages were released at about 4pm.

“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 Defence 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.

READ: JUST IN: 11 abducted passengers on Abuja-Kaduna train freed

“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 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,” Usman said in the statement.

The terrorists, who attacked the AK9 Train in Kaduna, had before now released hostages piecemeal with the last release being on August 19, 2022.

The insurgents had blown up the rail track and bombed the moving train, killing some and abducting more than 60 passengers. The unprecedented attack had attracted international and national outrage.

Distraught family members had protested several times to demand the release of their loved ones.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has since suspended operations on the Abuja-Kaduna route.