Troops of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army have successfully eliminated a notorious bandit kingpin identified as Boderi, who was allegedly the mastermind behind several high-profile kidnappings, including those of the Yauri school girls, Greenfield University, and the Nigerian Defence Academy attacks.
This significant development was disclosed by Maj-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, in a statement dated February 22, 2024.
The operation unfolded in an ambush along the Bada – Riyawa axis on the Kaduna – Birnin Gwari Road, where Boderi met his end alongside another key figure, Bodejo. Maj-Gen. Nwachukwu revealed that during the encounter, six insurgents were neutralized, and a cache of weapons and motorcycles was recovered and subsequently destroyed on site.
Among the recovered items were two AK 47 rifles, five AK 47 rifle magazines, 300 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, and 19 motorcycles, emphasizing the significant blow dealt to the bandit network.
While intelligence sources initially reported Boderi’s demise, efforts are underway to corroborate this information through alternative channels.
Additionally, in separate operations across the Igabi, Giwa, and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, troops of the 1 Division engaged insurgents, resulting in the neutralization of additional threats and the recovery of more firearms and ammunition.
The commitment of the army to ongoing operations aimed at rooting out insurgents from these areas and restoring peace to affected communities remains unwavering. Maj-Gen. Nwachukwu detailed a specific engagement where troops, during a patrol, encountered insurgents along the Maganda-Dausayi – Mugaba axis.
Despite the insurgents’ attempts to use rustled herds of cattle as shields, the troops responded with precision, neutralizing two insurgents and seizing weaponry, drugs, and cash.
During the intense hour-long firefight, some of the rustled livestock were unfortunately caught in the crossfire.
Nevertheless, troops continue to pursue fleeing insurgents diligently, demonstrating their dedication to eliminating armed violence within their area of responsibility.
Maj-Gen. Nwachukwu concluded the statement by urging the public to maintain cooperation with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the collective effort to combat terrorism and insurgency.
This latest operation underscores the army’s resolve to confront and dismantle criminal networks threatening the peace and security of the nation.
