By Marcus Ikechukwu
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that efforts were ongoing to ensure safe return of all those being held by terrorists.
There have been growing concerns by relatives of those abducted in the kaduna bound train recently,
According to the presidency, a directive has been issued to security agencies and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to provide more regular and detailed information to families.
Buhari also mocked the terrorists, saying they were pushing their luck and engaging human beings as shield against bombardment from government forces.
The assurance came while the President played host to some FCT residents at State House on Sallah homage Monday, noting that the government would explore every opportunity to secure the captives, alive and unhurt.
According to the President, terrorists, unlike professional soldiers, don’t respect the rules of engagement and could resort to harming hostages when attacked.
“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.
“The government doesn’t want this kind of tragic outcome. It’s a complex situation that demands proper handling. The primary objective of any rescue operation is to free the hostages safely, unharmed and alive,” 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 finding 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,” he said.
“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.