The Nigerian Army said a notorious bandit Kingpin, Boderi, who allegedly orchestrated many high-profile kidnappings in the northern part of the country, may have been killed by its troops.
Army Spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, a major general, said in a statement on Thursday that Boderi orchestrated the kidnappings of the Yauri school girls, Greenfield University and Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna attacks.
Mr Nwachukwu said intelligence sources indicated that he was killed alongside another notorious kidnapper, Bodejo, and other insurgents, in an ambush on Wednesday by Army troops along the Bada – Riyawa axis on the Kaduna – Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna State.
He, however, said efforts are on to authenticate the information.
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 neutralised 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,” Mr Nwachukwu said.
The army spokesperson said the troops operating in the 1 Division area of responsibility, while on a fighting patrol along the Maganda-Dausayi-Mugaba axis, Kaduna killed two insurgents.
The troops also recovered one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 Magazine, three rounds of 7.62mm Special, one Techno phone, three Hilux and motorcycle keys, wraps of substance suspected to be marijuana, tramadol tablets and the sum of N13,200.
“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,” Mr Nwachukwu added.