Nigerians, particularly relatives of kidnapped Abuja-Kaduna train attack victims, have been informed by the Federal Government that negotiations with bandits are ongoing to achieve their safe return.
Mr. Garba Shehu, President Muhammadu Buhari's Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, stated this on Channels TV's "Politics Today" on Friday.
Kidnappers assaulted the train, abducting scores of people after killing nine people and injuring 26 others.
The train service was supposed to restart on May 23, 2022, but it has been postponed indefinitely due to damage to the tracks and other aspects.
According to Shehu, the government's position has been reaffirmed throughout time that the success of any operation is evaluated by the number of alive and well human beings recovered.
He acknowledged that family members of individuals held captive had exerted pressure on the federal government, saying, "Of course, this is to be anticipated." This puts pressure on one of the people involved in the talks with the terrorists to ensure that those who have been detained are released safely. "
He claimed the government had stated that talks were continuing, "although a little challenging," but that "we expect to return to normalcy."
When asked what the government is doing to protect rail tracks in the country, Shehu stated the matter was with the security services.
He said that security had improved and that air surveillance had been announced by the former transportation minister.
He went on to say that the President had approved electronic monitoring and surveillance, and that he would ensure that the train track, not just between Kaduna and Abuja but also between Ibadan and Lagos, was tracked far and near.