Mastermind of Abuja – Kaduna train attack arrested

The mastermind of Abuja-Kaduna train attack has been arrested by the troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH at Damba Community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

This was announced by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday by the Director, Defence Media Operations Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami in Abuja during a bi-weekly briefing.

The attack was carried out on Abuja-Kaduna bound train services on 28 March, 2022 by the terrorists.

The military high command also said following the operation, troops recovered the sum of five thousand Dollar ($5,000) as well as other currency.

According to the defence spokesperson, troops of the Joint Task Force, Operations HADIN KAI in the North East, SAFE HAVEN in the North Central and Operation HADARIN DAJI in the North West cumulatively neutralized 133 Boko Haram Terrorist/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists in different locations in the last two weeks.

He said: “Consequently, an air interdiction operation was carried out at the location. Feedback revealed that the airstrike dealt a massive blow on the terrorists as several of the terrorists were reported to have been neutralized including some of key commanders while others escaped with severe injuries.

“A similar operation was conducted at the Yuwe fishing pond area of Borno State, following the sighting of about 50 terrorists in the general area. The location was consequently bombarded with several of the terrorists neutralized in the strike.”

He added that troops also arrested 80 terrorists, their logistic suppliers, spies, informants and collaborators in different locations within the theatre.

“Items recovered from them include assorted arms and ammunition, clothing materials, medical supplies, large quantities of items suspected to be hard drugs, livestock, 138 jerricans of PMS and other sundry items,” he said.

Speaking further, General Danmadami said troops also rescued 41 kidnapped civilians.

According to him, a total of 252 Boko Haram Terrorist/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families comprising 24 male, 79 female and 150 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre of operations.

He said all recovered items, rescued civilians, and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action while surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families are being profiled for further action.