The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Whirl Punch have apprehended one of the masterminds of the March 28, 2022 terrorist attack on the Abuja-Kaduna Train service.
Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, Director, of Defence Media Operations, announced this 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 at Damba community in Kaduna State’s Chikun Local Government Area.
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 said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, had within the period, neutralised 23 terrorists and arrested nine as well as rescued 23 abducted civilians.
According to him, the air component conduced 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 intelligence report that terrorists had gathered for a wedding ceremony at location within Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State.
“Another air interdiction operation was conducted at identified terrorists 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. (NAN)
