Negotiations by Nigeria’s Federal Government with abductors of the Abuja-Kaduna train passengers may have hit the rocks as the abductors have insisted that their commanders be exchanged for the abductees.

Reports have it that the Nigerian government is calling for foreign assistance and technical expertise to resolve the deadlock.

The train attack at Katari, Kaduna, on March 28, recorded the death of about eight persons, with 26 persons injured and no fewer than 68 passengers abducted.

However, some of the hostages which includes the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Alwan Hassan, Sadique, son of Ango Abdullahi, convener of the Northern Elders Forum and a pregnant woman have breathed the air of freedom as they were released on Saturday.

A woman was reported to have delivered a baby girl in the den of the kidnappers who are believed to be affiliated with the Boko Haram terrorist group.

A security source who is aware of the negotiations has expressed that the negotiation has literally broken down, noting that the terrorists are still insisting on swapping their commanders in custody with the abducted passengers. He added that the government is seeking foreign assistance to resolve the deadlock.

The security expert said the decision to seek foreign assistance was in order, noting that the United States, United Kingdom and other Western countries have the expertise to assist the country.

The US Embassy has however responded stating that it has recognised the multiple security challenges confronting Nigeria and it expressed pleasure on the ongoing deliberations of the judiciary, the government, and the military to address the insecurity while respecting human rights.

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