Richard Anyebe
The mastermind of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack on March 28, 2022, was among three terrorists arrested by troops at Damba community in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Valentine’s Day, according to the Defence Headquarters.
DHQ Says It Has Arrested Mastermind Of Abuja-Kaduna Train Attack
The Defence Headquarters disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Musa Danmadami and made available to newsmen.
The statement said the suspect confessed to being one of the masterminds of the March 28, 2022, Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
According to the statement, troops mobilised to the location and recovered two motorcycles, two mobile phones, the sum of $5,000 as well as some other currencies.
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 the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“Subsequently, troops mobilised to the location and arrested three terrorists. One of the terrorists arrested was identified as one of the masterminds of the March 28, 2022, terrorist attack on the Abuja-Kaduna.”
In a related development, on February 16, 2023, troops on fighting patrol engaged terrorists at Ungwan Birni in the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, neutralising seven of the terrorists while the others fled.
Danmadami said on February 20, 2023, troops on fighting patrol in Gada Oli village in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State recovered two AK-47 rifles, one magazine, 66 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, and seven BH/ISWAP terrorist flags.
According to him, troops in the North-West zone recovered 10 AK-47 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.
He added that troops neutralised 23 terrorists and arrested nine while 23 abducted civilians were rescued.
Meanwhile, Kanyi Daily reported that the Department of State Services (DSS) says it has arrested a gunrunner, Aliyu Yahaya, an associate of Kachalla Damina, a suspected bandit who operates around Dansadau of Zamfara state.
The DSS Spokesman, Peter Afunanya disclosed this on Thursday during a joint security briefing on the general election at the defence headquarters in Abuja.
