One of the leading negotiators for the release of victims of the train attack in Kaduna State, Tukur Mamu, has been reportedly arrested by security operatives in Egypt.
Mamu, who is also the spokesman for Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, was said to have been arrested on Tuesday by INTERPOL at the Cairo International Airport while trying to connect a flight to Saudi Arabia.
Although no comment has been made by the Nigerian government or the security agencies, Sheikh Gumi told Channels Television on Wednesday that Mamu has been released and was on his way back to Kaduna.
He, however, did not give details of why Mamu – the publisher of Desert Herald Newspaper – was arrested in the North African country.
Mamu has been in the limelight recently for his role in the release of victims of the train attack who were kidnapped by terrorists on March 28.
In August, he announced his withdrawal as the lead negotiator in securing the release of the remaining victims of the train attack after he alleged a threat to his life by the Nigerian government.
Bandits attacked the train at Katari village in Kaduna State, abducting many passengers onboard in the process.
Although some of the train passengers have been released after ransoms were reportedly paid, several other victims are said to be left in the custody of the bandits.
On July 24, the terrorists released a new video in which they were seen manhandling some of the victims and flogging them with sticks as they cried and pleaded for help.
One of the kidnapped passengers was seen recounting how they were abducted, saying the government has failed to secure their release.
He pleaded with members of the international community, including the United Nations, the United Kingdom, the United States, and France, among others to help secure their release.
Disturbed by the video, the families of the victims picketed the headquarters of the Ministry of Transportation in Abuja the following day.
Armed with placards with various inscriptions, they asked the Federal Government to take steps to secure the release of their loved ones who were abducted by the terrorists.