The Defence Headquarters said yesterday that troops of Operation Whirl Punch, have arrested three terrorists at Damba community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to the military high command, one of the arrested terrorists confessed to being one of the masterminds of the March 28, 2022, Abuja- Kaduna train attack which left nine passengers dead and scores of others kidnapped.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, who disclosed this in a statement, added that troops mobilised to the location on Valentine’s Day and recovered two motorcycles, two mobile phones, the sum of $5,000 and some other currencies.
The statement read: “Similarly, troops of Operation Whirl Punch on February 14, 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.
“Subsequently, troops mobilized to the location and arrested 3 terrorists. One of the terrorists arrested was identified as one of the masterminds of the March 28, 2022, terrorist attack on the Abuja Kaduna Train Services.
“Following the operation, troops recovered 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones, the sum of five thousand Dollars ($5,000) as well as some other currency and other sundry items.”
“Also, on February 16, 2023, troops on fighting patrol made contact with terrorists at Ungwan Birni in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Following fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorists while others fled.”
Danmadami said on February 20, 2023, troops on fighting patrol to Gada Oli Village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, recovered two AK 47 rifles, four magazines, 66 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and seven BH/ISWAP terrorist flags.
He stated that troops in the North West zone recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 238 rounds of 7.62mm special, two locally fabricated rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, seven magazines, 19 motorcycles, mobile phones, 30 rustled cattle and other sundry items, adding that troops neutralized 23 terrorists and arrested nine as well as rescued 23 abducted civilians.
