The Defence Headquarters said troops of Operation Whirl Punch have apprehended one of the masterminds of the March 28, 2022, terrorist attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train service.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Musa Danmadami, made the disclosure at the bi-weekly news briefing on the operations of the armed forces, on Thursday in Abuja.

Danmadami said the suspect was one of the three terrorists apprehended by troops at Damba community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Feb. 14.

He said the operation led to the recovery of two motorcycles, mobile phones, the sum of 5,000 dollars, other currencies and some sundry items.

According to him, troops on fighting patrol also neutralised seven terrorists at Ungwan Birni in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.

He said 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 50 rounds of 7.62mm special, and seven magazines, among other items, were recovered from the terrorists.

Danmadami also said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, had within the period, neutralised 23 terrorists and arrested nine as well as rescued 23 abducted civilians.

According to him, the air component conducted a series of air interdiction operations to decimate and deny the terrorists the freedom of action within the period under review.

“Specifically, on Feb. 13, an air interdiction operation was conducted based on intelligence report that terrorists had gathered for a wedding ceremony at a location within Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State.

“Another air interdiction operation was conducted at identified terrorist locations within Kankara and Batsari Local Government Areas, all in Katsina State.

“Feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralised in both air strikes,” the defence spokesman said.