Buhari give reasons why Kaduna train attack captives are yet to be rescued

Post created on 10:24 am

President Muhammadu Buhari has said bandits are using the captives of the Kaduna train attack as shields, making rescue operations difficult.

The president said this while receiving residents of the Federal Capital Territory on Sallah homage at the State House, Abuja.

Buhari said the government would explore every opportunity to rescue the captives alive and unhurt.

He directed security agencies and the Nigerian Railway Corporation to provide more regular and detailed information to the victims’ families.

“I’ve directed security agencies to ensure quick and safe recovery of all victims of kidnapping. I urge the railway management to immediately set up a situation room for the coordination of the rescue mission and a minute-by-minute engagement with the families of the captives.

“This should ease their pain and anxiety as we push the military to find a safe return to their families. I aim to see all those in captivity safely rescued.

“Let me assure Nigerians that the bandits are just pushing their luck, but this is only for a while before they’re finely crushed. They’re using civilians as human shields, thereby making it difficult to confront them directly,” he said.

“They don’t care about killing their hostages if they come under attack. It’s a delicate situation that requires wisdom, caution, and also patience. Any rescue operation that results in the death of any hostage cannot be deemed a success.

“Let me make it clear, however, that defeating the terrorists and bandits requires more than weapons; we also need human intelligence which is necessary to frustrate terrorist plans. The people and community leaders should help our security officials with information about the activities or movements of criminal groups,” he added.