Troops Nab Abuja-Kaduna Train Attack Mastermind

BY EDMOND ODOK – Almost a year after the dare-devil attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train that left some passengers dead and others kidnapped, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday said troops have arrested one of the masterminds who plotted the Boko Haram terrorists’ onslaught.

The deadly attack on the train services took place on 28th March 2022 at Katari village in Kaduna state, about 55 miles from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Announcing the cheering news on Thursday, the Defence Headquarters said the self-confessed attacker was among the three terrorists picked up at Damba community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

According to the military high command, the troops mobilised to the location on Valentine’s Day and recovered 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones, the sum of $5,000 as well as some other currencies.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, said in a statement made available to newsmen that the “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 Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“Subsequently, troops mobilized to the location and arrested three (3) terrorists. One of the terrorists arrested was identified as one of the masterminds of the March 28, 2022, terrorist attack on the Abuja Kaduna Train Services.

“Following the operation, troops recovered 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones, the sum of five thousand Dollars ($5,000) as well as some other currency and other sundry items.”

“Also, on February 16, 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.”

Danmadami further said that on February 20, 2023, troops on fighting patrol to Gada Oli Village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, recovered two (2) AK 47 rifles, four (4) magazines, 66 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and seven BH/ISWAP terrorist flags.

Also, he disclosed that troops in the North West Zone recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 238 rounds of 7.62mm special, two (2) locally fabricated rifles, one (1) locally fabricated pistol, and seven (7) magazines.

The Defence spokesperson said other items recovered include 19 motorcycles, mobile phones, 30 rustled cattle and other sundry items, adding that troops also neutralized 23 terrorists and arrested nine (9) as well as rescued 23 abducted civilians..