The Federal Government announced on Wednesday that the Abuja-Kaduna rail line will not reopen until all those kidnapped by bandits in March have been rescued and reunited with their families.
Mr Mu’azu Sambo, Minister of Transportation, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the Idu and Kubwa train stations in Abuja.
He stated that the federal government is deploying advanced technologies across the country to prevent similar security breaches.
An Abuja-Kaduna train was attacked on March 28, leading to deaths and the abductions of more than 60 passengers.
On Tuesday, five of the abducted passengers regained their freedom, bringing the total number of released victims to 37.
However, about 35 passengers remain in the captivity of the bandits.
The families of abducted passengers have led several protests demanding the government to facilitate the release of their loved ones.
They also protested initial plans by the government to re-open the Abuja-Kaduna route.
Many of those released appear to have regained their freedom in exchange for ransoms to the bandits, security experts believe.
The Federal Government has said it will not negotiate with terrorists.