Suspected mastermind of kidnap of 39 students, attack on NDA, killed by Nigerian soldiers

A wanted man described by the authorities as a kidnapper and ruthless killer, Isyaku Boderi, has been killed by Nigerian security forces in Kaduna State.

The state government announced the development in a statement on Thursday by the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan.

Mr Boderi allegedly led the 11 March, 2021 abduction of 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, and the 24 August, 2021 deadly attack on a campus of the Nigerian Defence Academy, both in Afaka, Igabi LGA of Kaduna State.

Mr Aruwan said Mr Boderi was killed alongside his lieutenants in the Bada/Riyawa general area of Chikun and Igabi local government areas.

“Stemming from consistent support to security forces by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, a breakthrough has been recorded in Nigeria’s fight against banditry and terrorism,” the statement said.

“The notorious bandit, insurgent, and ruthless killer, Boderi Isyaku, has been neutralised in a gun duel alongside some of his fighters, by troops of the Nigerian Army, around Bada/Riyawa general areas of Chikun and Igabi LGAs”, the statement said.

Mr Aruwan said the feat was confirmed to the state government by security forces carrying out internal security operations and diligent checks from human intelligence sources.

“Boderi, as he was simply known, had for nearly a decade propagated a reign of fear, death, and destruction in Kaduna State and neighbouring Niger State, with a trademark of brutal attacks, mass abductions, and cruel, relentless killing.

“His elimination comes as the culmination of tireless efforts by dedicated troops committed to restoring peace and security in the region. The General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Nigerian Army (and Force Commander, Operation Whirl Punch) Major General VU Okoro, coordinated the operation through meticulous planning and intelligence,” the statement said.

How he was killed

Mr Aruwan said the terrorist and his fighters were killed on Wednesday in an ambush by troops of the Nigerian army.

“The troops on Wednesday night came in contact with Boderi and his fighters around the Bada general area of Chikun LGA. Despite the terrorists’ well-fortified position, the troops laid a successful ambush. Boderi and his associates walked into the trap and were cornered.

“In the ensuing confrontation, Boderi chose to resist the troops and engaged them in a fierce firefight. He was ultimately subdued, and his reign of terror ended in a burst of bullets and eternal ignominy. Two of his associates were likewise neutralised,” the statement said.

The official said after the operation, the troops recovered two AK47 rifles, 300 rounds of ammunition, nine AK47 magazines, one magazine carrier, one Baofeng radio set, and five motorcycles.

Suspect responsible for school abduction

The government described the elimination of Mr Boderi as a notable milestone in the nation’s fight against terrorism and banditry.

“Boderi, known for his ruthlessness and cunning, had long eluded the grasp of security forces while orchestrating the kidnappings of prominent figures, innocent civilians, school children, and students with impunity.

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“His activities not only caused untold pain to thousands of victims and families but also posed a stiff challenge to law enforcement agents, who, at various times were only a whisker away from apprehending this menace.

“Boderi was involved in a range of deadly attacks spanning Sabon Birni, Rigasa, Buruku, Gwagwada, Rijana, and Kateri general areas, the Kaduna-Abuja Road, the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road, as well as Shiroro, Alawa, and Mangoro general areas of neighboring Niger State.

“His activities included vast and elaborate operations in cattle rustling and gunrunning. He was also known to have built a close rapport with terrorist groups, collaborating with them towards establishing footholds in these areas. Recent intelligence reports revealed his plans to attack a school in his sphere of operation. Those plans have been thankfully truncated.

“It was Boderi who plotted and executed the 11th March 2021 abduction of 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, Igabi LGA. This high-profile kidnapping generated shock waves and massive panic around the country, as dozens of young students were whisked away and their families left to deal with unimaginable turmoil”, the statement added.

Responsible for the kidnap of Emir

Mr Aruwan said Mr Boderi was responsible for the kidnap of an emir in Zamfara State.

“On the 24th of August 2021, Boderi masterminded another deadly attack, this time on the Afaka campus of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Igabi LGA.

“Two officers were killed and another abducted. Weeks later, on 14th September 2021, Boderi led his gang of bandits in the kidnapping of the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Atto, around Dutse village, Chikun LGA. The Emir’s police detail was killed.

“These are a few highlights in the profile of a mindless monster, fueled by undiluted hate and evil, veiled underneath a harmless, innocent, and youthful exterior. Without a doubt, this baby-faced terror was one of the most dangerous individuals in the country, single-handedly tearing apart the lives of entire communities across several states.

“Receiving the report, Governor Sani expressed his elation at the development, which he described as a pointer to the bravery and professionalism of the troops involved.

“The Governor commended Major General Okoro, for his stellar leadership, and praised the troops for their assertive victory. Governor Sani went on to assure security forces in Kaduna State of his unflinching support and readiness to sustain cooperation, towards the achievement of their objectives.

“In the wake of this development, authorities and members of the public must be informed that some of Boderi’s associates and gang members sustained gunshot injuries during that decisive encounter.

“Citizens in the general area and beyond are therefore enjoined not to render assistance (medical or otherwise) to individuals carrying such suspicious injuries, but to immediately report these persons to security agencies.

“The Kaduna State Security Operations Room is available 24 hours a day to receive reports of this nature, on the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999”, Mr Aruwan said.