.Recover arms, ammunition, drugs
Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised two alleged bandit kingpins, identified as Bodejo and Boderi Isyaku,
The duo were said to be the masterminds of several high-profile kidnappings, including that of the Yauri schoolgirls, Greenfield University, and attacks at Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), along the Bada-Riyawa axis, on the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road.
They were killed alongside other bandits during an ambush by the troops.
Army spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who confirmed the development, also revealed that ongoing operations in the Igabi, Giwa, and Birnin Gwari Local Councils of Kaduna State resulted in the neutralisation of insurgents.
He said during a firefight along the Maganda-Dausayi – Mugaba axis, insurgents using rustled herds of cattle as shields engaged troops. “In the ensuing hour-long battle, troops neutralised two insurgents and recovered weaponry, including an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and various items.”
He explained: “In a separate operation along the Bada-Riyawa axis on the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, troops ambushed marauding insurgents, neutralising six and recovering weapons and motorcycles.
“In the ensuing firefight that lasted about an hour, troops neutralised two of the insurgents and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one Tecno phone, three Hilux vehicles, motorcycle keys, wraps of a substance suspected to be marijuana, Tramadol tablets, and N13,200.”
He said: “Unfortunately, in the encounter, some of the rustled livestock used as shield by the insurgents were caught in the crossfire. Troops are still on the trail of the fleeing insurgents and remain resolute on ridding the area of armed
violence.”
He added: “In a separate operation conducted by troops of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday, February 22, troops successfully ambushed marauding insurgents along the Bada-Riyawa axis on the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road.
“In the encounter, troops neutralised six insurgents and recovered two AK-47 rifles, five AK-47 magazines, 300 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 19 motorcycles.”
Meanwhile, Kaduna State Government has confirmed the death of notorious bandit, Isyaku, alongside some of his fighters, during an operation conducted by Nigerian Army troops.
In a statement, the state’s Overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the operation, meticulously planned and executed by Major General V.U. Okoro, General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, and Force Commander, Operation Whirl Punch, unfolded in the Bada/Riyawa general areas of Chikun and Igabi Local Councils.
According to him, despite Isyaku’s well-fortified position, troops successfully laid an ambush, leading to a fierce gun duel.
Aruwan stated the bandit, known for nearly a decade of brutal attacks, mass abductions, and relentless killings in Kaduna and neighbouring Niger State, had eluded security forces until this decisive encounter.
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“His elimination stands as a testament to the determination and coordinated efforts of the troops dedicated to restoring peace and security in the region,” Aruwan said.
The commissioner, however, urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements of individuals as some of Isyaku’s associates who may have sustained injuries during the encounter might be running for cover.
“Citizens are urged not to provide assistance to individuals with suspicious injuries but to report such cases immediately to security agencies. The Kaduna State Security Operations Room is available 24/7 to receive reports on phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999,” he added.
