President Muhammadu Buhari has praised the efforts of security agencies for ensuring the release of the remaining 23 victims of the Kaduna train attack.
Their release was confirmed on Wednesday, months after they were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents.
According to a statement by his media aid, Shehu Garba,, the president said: “This country’s Armed Forces are as good as any. Given needed support and encouragement as we have been doing, there is no task that they cannot accomplish. I commend them for this remarkable outcome,”
“In expressing satisfaction with the successful deployment of both kinetic and non-kinetic processes leading to the eventual safe release of the remaining hostages, President Buhari also congratulated the families of the victims for having them back alive,” the statement added.
“He directed that the relief that comes to the nation arising from the closure of this unfortunate saga must be sustained at all times, all over the federation.
“The President also credited his government for resolving the issue and the de-escalation of the terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping that surged recently, giving assurances that the efforts will be sustained.”
Nigeria’s military in a statement on Wednesday stated that they have secured the release of the remaining 23 hostages from a train attack by gunmen in northern Kaduna state in March, which saw dozens kidnapped and six others killed, a defence official said
The government blamed the attack on Islamist insurgency Boko Haram. The attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train led to the suspension of a service that was popular with passengers who feared attacks and kidnappings by gunmen on Nigerian highways.
Usman Yusuf, secretary to the chief of defence staff, said in a statement that the military had “secured the release and taken custody of all the 23 passengers held hostage by Boko Haram terrorists.”
He did not provide details.
Nigeria’s state railway company initially said it could not account for 168 people who according to a passenger log had booked to travel on the train. Most were later traced to their homes, but 65 were confirmed missing.
The kidnappers had been releasing hostages in batches.