Suicide bombers intercepted by military in Maidugari

The military intercepted three suicide bombers few kilometres away from the trouble city of Maiduguri.

The deputy commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, the counter-insurgency operation in the North-East, Brigadier General Lucky Irabor, disclosed this to journalist saying the three suicide bombers were intercepted while trying to get passage into Maiduguri.

He said, “The three suicide bombers, two females and a male, attempted to infiltrate Maiduguri but were intercepted by vigilant men a kilometre ahead of the town, along Mafa road.”

Brig.- Gen Irabor added that one of the bombers detonated the bomb on her when she saw the troops, thereby killing herself in the process alongside the other bomber. 

“The third one while attempting to run at the checkpoint to detonate the bomb on him, but before he could get to the soldiers was shot," he added. 

He also added that a clearance operation was carried out on January 17 at Shentimari general area, during which Boko Haram enclaves were cleared and 78 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition recovered. 

He said, “Similarly, on January 18 at Chukun Gudu, troops encountered and destroyed terrorist’s camps along Jillam, Bula Butube general areas. During the exchange of fire, 10 terrorists were killed, two AK47 rifles, two AK47 magazines, two solar panels and two GSM handsets were recovered, while one Isuzu vehicle was destroyed.

“On January 20, troops cleared terrorist camps/enclaves at Ngwalimiri and Gazama in Damboa Local Government Area. While conducting operations in Mufurundi village along Damboa-Bale road, our gallant troops intercepted 10 Boko Haram suspects from Bego, Mesemarri and Bale villages carrying bags containing food condiments, soaps, and other items. Suspects are presently undergoing interrogation. Also, troops had an encounter with terrorists during advance from Wajirok to Ajigin. During the encounter, three of the terrorists were killed.

“In a related development, troops took custody of three suspected Boko Haram terrorists who voluntarily surrendered themselves to Damboa Vigilante Group at Kaya village. During interrogation, they claimed to have been forced to join the Boko Haram terrorist group and also participated in the group’s previous attacks at Askira and other locations," he concluded.