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The Nigerian military on Thursday said, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH arrested three terrorists at Damba community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State which one of the terrorists arrested was identified as one of the mastermind of the 28 March 2022 terrorist attack on the Abuja Kaduna Train Services.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami disclosed this in a press statement made available to SpyeTV in ABUJA.
According to him, military troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH on 14 February 2023 responded to information on the presence of Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province kingpins
He said, troops mobilized to the location and recovered 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones, the sum of five thousand Dollar ($5,000) as well as some other currency and other sundry items.
Also, on 16 February 2023, troops on fighting patrol made contact with terrorists at Ungwan Birni in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Following fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorists while others fled.
Troops exploited the general area and recovered 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 50 rounds of 7.62mm special, 7 magazines, 5 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones among other items.
Also, on 20 February 2023, troops on fighting patrol to Gada Oli Village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, recovered 2 AK 47 rifles, 4 magazines, 66 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and 7 BH/ISWAP terrorist flags.
Consequently, within the weeks in review, troops in the North West Zone recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 238 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 locally fabricated rifles, 1 locally fabricated pistol, 7 magazines, 19 motorcycles, mobile phones, 30 rustled cattle and other sundry items.
Troops also neutralized 23 terrorists and arrested 9 as well as rescued 23 abducted civilians. All recovered items and rescued civilians were handed over to the relevant authority for further action while arrested terrorists were documented for further action.
General Danmadami also added that the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conduced series of air interdiction operation to decimate and deny the terrorists freedom of action. Specifically, on 13 February 2023, an air interdiction operation was conducted based on Intelligent of terrorists gathering for a wedding ceremony at location within Safana Local Government Area of Kastina State.
He said, another air interdiction operation was conducted at identified terrorists locations within Kanakara and Batsari Local Government Area all in Katsina State. Feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralized in the both air strikes.
In another development, the air component of the Operation WHIRL PUNCH on 14 February 2023, equally conducted air interdiction operation at identified terrorists location at Riyawa in Kaduna State. The location was observed to be active with terrorists activities, accordingly, the identified targets was engaged and destroyed with several terrorists neutralized.