The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Whirl Punch have arrested one of the masterminds of the March 28, 2022 terrorist attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, made this known at the bi-weekly news briefing on the operations of the armed forces, on Thursday, February 23, 2023 in Abuja.
According to Danmadami, the suspect was one of the three terrorists apprehended by the troops at Damba community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on February 14.
“Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH on 14 February 2023 responded to information on the presence of Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province kingpins at Damba community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” the statement read.
“Subsequently, troops mobilized to the location and arrested 3 terrorists. One of the terrorists arrested was identified as one of the masterminds of the 28 March 2022 terrorist attack on the Abuja Kaduna Train Services.
“Following the operation, troops recovered 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones, the sum of five thousand Dollar ($5,000) as well as some other currency and other sundry items.
Danmadami also said that troops on fighting patrol neutralized seven terrorists in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna.
“On 16 February 2023, troops on fighting patrol made contact with terrorists at Ungwan Birni in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorists while others fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 50 rounds of 7.62mm special, 7 magazines, 5 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones among other items.” he added.