The Nigerian Police have made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the violent assault on the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train in March 2022 by apprehending the alleged mastermind behind the attack.

During a press briefing in Kaduna on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced the arrest of the suspect identified as Ibrahim Abdullahi, also known as Mandi.

Adejobi emphasized that Mandi’s arrest is a crucial milestone in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the train attack.

Furthermore, it was revealed during the press briefing that Mandi was involved in the abduction of students from Greenfield University in 2021, adding another layer to his criminal activities.

The police disclosed that 48 AK-47 rifles were seized during Mandi’s arrest, underscoring the gravity of his involvement in criminal activities. Efforts are currently underway to identify Mandi’s sponsors and the sources of the weapons.

The attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train occurred on March 28, 2022, resulting in the derailment of the train and the tragic loss of eight lives, with 62 others abducted.

The federal government was compelled to pay a substantial ransom, amounting to hundreds of millions of naira, to secure the release of the remaining victims.

In a separate incident, the Lagos State Police Command has taken swift action to restore order following a clash between hoodlums at the Ile-Epo foodstuff market in Alimosho Local Government Area.

More than 50 individuals were apprehended by police operatives on Thursday in connection with the clash, which erupted on Wednesday night and continued into Thursday morning. The confrontation led to the burning of shops and the destruction of goods as rival groups sought retribution over undisclosed grievances.

Lagos Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin assured the public in a statement that order has been restored at the market, signaling a concerted effort by law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security in the state.