Nigeria Train Kidnappers Using Victims As Human Shields — Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday disclosed that bandits who attacked an Abuja-Kaduna train killed some passengers and abducted others are using the captives in their custody as a human shield.

He made the disclosure while receiving some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) led by the Minister, Mohammed Bello, on homage at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President assured families that efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of all those being held, directing security agencies and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to provide more regular and detailed information to families.

President Buhari said the government would explore every opportunity to secure the captives, alive and unhurt.

He stated: “As we celebrate this occasion with joy amidst friends and family members, we are fully conscious of the fact that many families in our country are in a state of fear and anxiety on account of the many captives held by terrorists against their will, including those taken away after the tragic bombing of the Abuja – Kaduna train.

“I have 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 for 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. My aim is 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 are finally crushed. They are using civilians as human shields, thereby making it difficult to confront them directly.”

According to the President, bandits and terrorists, unlike professional soldiers, don’t respect the rules of engagement and could resort to harming hostages when attacked.