The Nigerian Army has neutralized a notorious bandit mastermind known as Boderi, who coordinated the kidnappings of Yauri schoolgirls, Greenfield University students, and the attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Major General Director Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, said in a statement on Thursday, February 22, 2024, that Boderi and another kingpin, Bodejo, were killed in an ambush by troops of the 1 Division Army along the Bada-Riyawa axis on the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road.
According to Nwachukwu, troops also recovered arms and ammunition in the ongoing offensive in Igabi, Giwa and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas of the state.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army operating in 1 Division area of responsibility have in continuation with ongoing operations further neutralised insurgents and recovered more firearms and ammunition in encounters with insurgents in the general area of Igabi, Giwa and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas of Kaduna State,” according to the statement.
“In reaction to recent insurgent attacks on civilians in Igabi and Giwa Local Governments, troops plan to continue operations to drive the militants out of these regions and provide relief to residents.
“During a fighting patrol in the Maganda-Dausayi-Mugaba axis, forces came under fire from insurgents using rustled herds of cattle as shields while engaging the troops with direct fire.
“The insurgents whose number could not be ascertained fired several shots at the troops from the cover of the herds of livestock prompting immediate response from troops.
“In the ensuing firefight that lasted for about an hour, troops neutralised 2 of the insurgents and recovered 1 AK 47 rifle,1 AK 47 Magazine, 3 rounds of 7.62mm Special , 1 Techno phone, 3 Hilux and motorcycle keys, wraps of substance suspected to be marijuana, tramadol tablets and the sum of 13,200 Naira only.
“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 responsibility of armed violence.
“In a separate operation, conducted by troops of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday 22 February 2024, the gallant troops successfully ambushed marauding insurgents along the Bada – Riyawa axis on the Kaduna – Birnin Gwari Road.
“In the encounter, troops neutralized 6 insurgents and recovered 2 AK 47 rifles, 5 AK 47 rifle magazines, 300 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and 19 motorcycles which were destroyed insitu.
“According to intelligence sources, the notorious bandit Kingpin Boderi, who orchestrated many high-profile kidnappings such as the Yauri schoolgirls, Greenfield University, and Nigerian Defence Academy attacks, was killed in the ambush alongside another kingpin, Bodejo.” Other methods of authentication are being considered.
“Members of the public are enjoined to continue to cooperate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the ongoing war against terrorism and insurgency in the country.”
