The Nigerian Army has announced the successful neutralization of eight Islamic terrorists, including two notorious kingpins, in operations conducted in Kaduna State recently.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu. The operations, which took place on Wednesday, targeted insurgents in the general areas of Igabi, Giwa, and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

The terrorists utilized rustled herds of cattle as shields while engaging the troops with direct fire.

Among those killed during the gunfight was a notorious bandit kingpin known as ‘Boderi’, who was allegedly involved in orchestrating several high-profile kidnappings, including the abduction of students from Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri, and Greenfield University, as well as the attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy(NDA).

Another terrorist, identified as ‘Bodejo’, was also believed to have been killed during the operations, although efforts are underway to confirm this information through other means.

The Army spokesman revealed that the was in response to recent attacks by the insurgents  Igabi and Giwa local government areas of the state.

Nwachukwu added that during a firefight along the Maganda-Dausayi-Mugaba axis, troops neutralized two insurgents and recovered firearms, ammunition, and other items, including drugs.

Additionally, an ambush conducted along the Bada-Riyawa axis on the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road led to the neutralization of six insurgents and the recovery of more weapons and motorcycles.

While acknowledging collateral damage to rustled livestock used as shields by the insurgents, Major General Nwachukwu assured that troops remain committed to eliminating armed violence in the area.

The Nigerian Army urged continued cooperation from citizens in the fight against terrorism and insurgency to ensure the country’s security.