The Federal Government of Nigeria has said it secured the release of the last batch of hostages kidnapped by terrorists during the attack on  Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28, 2022 without paying a Kobo.

This claim was made by the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo.

Sambo made the claim while addressing journalists at a press briefing aimed at receiving and providing updates of the Kaduna-Abuja train victims at the Ministry, in Abuja.

Revealing that the government set up a committee of retired Generals, who  “assisted in securing the release of the victims,” he said the Buhari-led administration did not approve or support ransom payments for the release of the 23 victims.

According to him, “Because this government does not support and approve ransom payment, no Kobo was paid in exchange for the release of these 23 hostages  and even for the release of the other hostages.

“I want you to know that there is a committee made up of some retired generals and some retired public officers of high ranking status who assisted the military and the security agencies throughout the process of securing the release of these hostages” he said.

The Minister also confirmed that the victims had been reunited with their families shortly after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government would commence commercial railway services in the area soon.