The troops of Operation Whirl Punch have apprehended one of the masterminds of the March 28, 2022, terrorist attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, disclosed this at a press briefing on the operations of the armed forces in Abuja on Thursday.

Danmadami revealed that the suspect was one of the three terrorists apprehended by the troops at Damba community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on February 14, 2023.

He said the operation led to the recovery of two motorcycles, mobile phones, the sum of 5,000 dollars, other currencies, and some sundry items.

He disclosed that the troops on fighting patrol also neutralised seven terrorists at Ungwan Birni in the Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.

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The defence spokesperson said 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 50 rounds of 7.62mm special, and seven magazines, among other items, were also 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.

He stated that the air component conducted a series of air interdiction operations to decimate and deny the terrorists freedom of action within the period under review.

“Specifically, on February 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 added.

The Star