BY VICTOR BUORO – After almost a decade-long reign of terror, destruction, and deaths, the Nigerian security forces have finally neutralized a notorious bandit, insurgent, and ruthless killer, Boderi Isyaku.
He was neutralized in a gun battle, alongside some of his fighters, by troops of the Nigerian Army around the Bada/Riyawa general areas of Chikun and Igabi Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.
Describing the development as a breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against banditry and terrorism, the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan said the success stems from consistent support to security forces by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.
Aruwan explained that this feat was confirmed to the Kaduna State Government by security forces carrying out internal security operations and diligent checks from human intelligence sources, adding that Boderi’s elimination comes as the culmination of tireless efforts by dedicated troops committed to restoring peace and security in the region.
Reports indicated that the notorious criminal, popularly called Boderi by his group, had for almost 10 years executed his trademark of brutal attacks, and mass abductions, as well as relentless and cruel killings of innocent citizens in Kaduna State and neighboring Niger State.
The Commissioner disclosed that the operation that took out Boderi was coordinated by the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Nigerian Army (and Force Commander, Operation Whirl Punch) Major General V. U. Okoro, through meticulous planning and intelligence.
According to him; “The troops on Wednesday night, came in contact with Boderi and his fighters around the Bada general area of Chikun LGA. Despite the terrorists’ well-fortified position, the troops laid a successful ambush. Boderi and his associates walked into the trap and were cornered.
“In the ensuing confrontation, Boderi chose to resist the troops and engaged them in a fierce firefight. He was ultimately subdued, and his reign of terror ended in a burst of bullets and eternal ignominy. Two of his associates were likewise neutralized. After the operation, the troops recovered two AK47 rifles, 300 rounds of ammunition, nine AK47 magazines, one magazine carrier, one Baofeng radio set, and five motorcycles.
“The elimination of Boderi Isyaku, as a notable milestone in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry, demonstrates the effectiveness of determined and coordinated efforts by security forces in confronting those who seek to spread fear and chaos.”
The Commissioner further disclosed that Boderi, who was “known for his ruthlessness and cunning, had long eluded the grasp of security forces while orchestrating the kidnappings of prominent figures, innocent civilians, school children and students with impunity. His activities not only caused untold pain to thousands of victims and families but also posed a stiff challenge to law enforcement agents, who, at various times were only a whisker away from apprehending this menace.
“Boderi was involved in a range of deadly attacks spanning Sabon Birni, Rigasa, Buruku, Gwagwada, Rijana, and Kateri general areas, the Kaduna-Abuja Road, the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road, as well as Shiroro, Alawa, and Mangoro general areas of neighbouring Niger State. His activities included vast and elaborate operations in cattle rustling and gunrunning. He was also known to have built a close rapport with terrorist groups, collaborating with them towards establishing footholds in these areas.”
Aruwan also said; “Recent intelligence reports revealed his plans to attack a school in his sphere of operation. Those plans have been thankfully truncated”, adding that; “It was Boderi who plotted and executed the 11th March 2021 abduction of 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, Igabi LGA.
“This high-profile kidnapping generated shock waves and massive panic around the country, as dozens of young students were whisked away and their families left to deal with unimaginable turmoil.”
Also accusing the late Boderi of masterminding the deadly attack of 24th August 2021, the Commissioner said; “This time on the Afaka campus of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Igabi LGA. Two officers were killed and another was abducted. Weeks later, on 14th September 2021, Boderi led his gang of bandits in the kidnapping of the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Atto, around Dutse village, Chikun LGA. The Emir’s Police Detail was killed.
“These are a few highlights in the profile of a mindless monster, fueled by undiluted hate and evil, veiled underneath an apparently harmless, innocent, and youthful exterior. Without a doubt, this baby-faced terror was one of the most dangerous individuals in the country, single-handedly tearing apart the lives of entire communities across several states.”
Meanwhile, Governor Sani, while receiving the report, expressed happiness at the development, describing it as a pointer to the bravery and professionalism of the troops involved.
Praising Major General Okoro, for his stellar leadership, and the troops for their assertive victory, Governor Sani assured security forces in Kaduna State of his administration’s unflinching support and readiness to sustain cooperation, towards the achievement of their objectives.
However, a statement by the Commissioner said; “In the wake of this development, authorities and members of the public must be informed that some of Boderi’s associates and gang members sustained gunshot injuries during that decisive encounter” stressing that; “Citizens in the general area and beyond are therefore enjoined not to render assistance (medical or otherwise) to individuals carrying such suspicious injuries, but to immediately report these persons to security agencies.”
Confirming that the Kaduna State Security Operations Room is available 24 hours a day to receive reports of this nature, the Commissioner said members of the public should access these phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999 to drop any relevant information on crimes and criminal elements in the State.
