KADUNA (Sundiata Post) – Troops operating under the Nigerian Army’s 1 Division have achieved significant progress in their ongoing operations in Kaduna State, successfully neutralizing insurgent kingpins and seizing a cache of arms and ammunition in various encounters spanning the Igabi, Giwa, and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas.
Confirming these developments, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, emphasized that the troops swiftly responded to recent insurgent attacks targeting civilians in Igabi and Giwa.
Their operations were meticulously planned to eradicate insurgent presence in these areas and restore peace to the affected communities.
“During a combat patrol along the Maganda-Dausayi – Mugaba axis, troops encountered insurgents employing rustled herds of cattle as shields.
“Despite the insurgents’ attempts to evade detection, the troops engaged them in a fierce firefight lasting approximately one hour.
“As a result of this engagement, two insurgents were neutralized, and a substantial cache of weaponry and contraband, including an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, electronic devices, keys, narcotics, and cash, was recovered,” he said.
Nwachukwu highlighted the complexities and challenges faced by the troops, noting that some of the livestock used by the insurgents as shields became unintended casualties in the crossfire.
“Nevertheless, the troops remain resolute in their pursuit of fleeing insurgents and their unwavering commitment to securing the region,” he added.
In a separate operation conducted on Wednesday, February 22, 2024, troops were said to have executed a successful ambush against marauding insurgents along the Bada – Riyawa axis on the Kaduna – Birnin Gwari Road.
“During this operation, six insurgents were neutralized, and a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and motorcycles were recovered and subsequently destroyed.
Intelligence reports indicate that among the insurgents neutralized in the ambush were notorious kingpins, including Boderi, who orchestrated numerous high-profile kidnappings, such as those involving the Yauri school girls, Greenfield University, and the Nigerian Defence Academy.
“Efforts are underway to corroborate this information through additional channels.
“The Nigerian Army calls upon the public to continue supporting its efforts, in collaboration with other security agencies, in the ongoing battle against terrorism and insurgency in the country,” he stated.
