The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has announced the arrest of three terrorists in the Damba community of Chikun Local Government Area in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria.
According to the military high command, one of the arrested terrorists confessed to being one of the masterminds behind the March 28, 2022, terrorist attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train service.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, stated that troops mobilised to the location on Valentine’s Day and recovered two motorcycles, two mobile phones, and a sum of $5,000, among other items.
The statement partly 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 mobilised 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 neutralised 7 terrorists while others fled.”
The military operation also saw the recovery of ten 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. Furthermore, troops neutralised 23 terrorists, arrested nine, and rescued 23 abducted civilians in the North West Zone.