According to the Defence Headquarters, troops from Operation Whirl Punch apprehended one of the masterminds of the terrorist attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train service on March 28, 2022.
Maj Gen Musa Danmadami, Director, Defence Media Operations, made the announcement at the bi-weekly news briefing on armed forces operations on Thursday in Abuja.
Danmadami stated that the suspect was one of three terrorists apprehended by troops on February 14 in Damba community, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
He stated that the operation resulted in the recovery of two motorcycles, mobile phones, $5,000 in cash, other currencies, and various items.
According to him, troops on fighting patrol also killed seven terrorists at Ungwan Birni in the state’s Kajuru Local Government Area.
He stated that 83 7.62mm NATO rounds, 50 7.62mm special rounds, and seven magazines, among other items, were recovered from the terrorists.
Danmadami also stated that troops from Operation Hadarin Daji had neutralised 23 terrorists, arrested nine, and rescued 23 abducted civilians during the period.
During the review period, the air component, he claims, conducted a series of air interdiction operations to decimate and deny terrorists freedom of action.
“Specifically, on Feb. 13, an air interdiction operation was conducted based on 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 neutralized in both air strikes,” the defense spokesman said.
