DHQ: Troops Arrest Mastermind of Abuja-Kaduna Train Bombing

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said yesterday that  troops of Operation Whirl Punch arrested one of the masterminds of the March 28, 2022 terrorist attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train service.

Speaking in Abuja, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Musa Danmadami, said the suspect was one of the three terrorists apprehended by the troops at Damba community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Feb. 14.
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.
Danmadami said troops on fighting patrol also neutralised seven terrorists at Ungwan Birni in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.

He said troops also recovered 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 50 rounds of 7.62mm special, and seven magazines, among other items.
Danmadami also said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, had, within two weeks 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 terrorist freedom of action within the period under review.

“Specifically, on Feb. 13, an air interdiction operation was conducted based on an intelligence report that terrorists had gathered for a wedding ceremony at a 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,” he said.