Izuchukwu Okosi
Reprieve came to the families of the remaining 23 Abuja-Kaduna passengers held hostage by the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists on Wednesday as they have been released from captivity reports Prime Business Africa.
Following the efforts of the seven-man Presidential Committe assembled by the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General LEO Irabor, the release was effected on Wednesday at 4pm Nigerian time.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe kidnap of the train passengers on 28 March 2022 had elicited worldwide condemnation with the Nigerian government deemed not to have done enough albeit some other captives were released before Wednesday including two nursing mothers and those who were able to pay ransoms to secure their freedom.
In a release made available to the media by the Chief of Defense Staff Action Committe (CDSAC), Professor Usman Yusuf, the Nigerian Military under the leadership of the Chief of Defense Staff and other sister security agencies worked tirelessly in achieving the operation.
“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 Committe 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 Committe 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 release read.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
