Troops of Nigerian military attached to Operation Whirl Punch have apprehended one of the masterminds of the Abuja-Kaduna Train attack of March 28, 2022.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, who revealed this at Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, also disclosed that the sum of $5,000 as well as other currency were recovered.
Danmadami said 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 during an offensive operation.
According to him, the operation also led to the recovery of two motorcycles, mobile phones, and some sundry items, adding that troops on fighting patrol neutralised seven terrorists at Ungwan Birni in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.
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He said 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 50 rounds of 7.62mm special, and seven magazines, among other items, were recovered from the terrorists.
Speaking further, the senior military officer said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, had within the period, neutralised 23 terrorists and arrested nine as well as rescued 23 abducted civilians.
He stated that the air component conducted series of air interdiction operations to decimate and deny the terrorists freedom of action within the period under review.
“Specifically, on Feb. 13, an air interdiction operation was conducted based on an intelligence report that terrorists had gathered for a wedding ceremony at a location within Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State.
“Another air interdiction operation was conducted at identified terrorist locations within Kankara and Batsari Local Government Areas, all in Katsina state.
“Feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralised in both air strikes,” the defence spokesman said.