Nigerian forces successfully eliminated the notorious bandit leader, Boderi, responsible for orchestrating the attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna.
Boderi also played a key role in the kidnappings of students from Greenfield University, Kaduna, and Yauri school girls.
The 1 Division Nigerian Army conducted a decisive operation, resulting in the elimination of Boderi and another bandit chief, Bodejo, along the Bada – Riyawa axis on the Kaduna – Birnin Gwari Road.
During the mission, insurgents deployed rustled herds of cattle as shields, engaging in gunfire with the troops who responded swiftly.
Army spokesperson Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed these developments in a statement on Thursday.
He said: “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 two of the insurgents and recovered 1 AK 47 rifle,1 AK 47 Magazine, three rounds of 7.62mm Special, 1 Techno phone, three 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 shields 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.”
He said in another operation conducted by troops of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, they ambushed some insurgents along the Bada – Riyawa axis on the Kaduna – Birnin Gwari Road.
He said, “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.”
“Intelligence sources are reporting that the notorious bandit Kingpin Boderi who orchestrated many high profile kidnappings including the Yauri school girls, Greenfield University and Nigerian Defence Academy attacks was killed alongside another kingpin, Bodejo in the ambush. Efforts are on to authenticate this using other means.”
