Senator Iroegbu in Abuja
Three female suicide bombers were shot monday in Monguno town, Borno State, when they were getting ready to attack internally displaced persons (IDPs), the Nigerian Army has said.
According to a statement by the army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, the bombers were targeting some IDPs who were fetching water at a borehole along Marte road, on the outskirts of the town.
“Today (yesterday) at about 6.15 am, three female Boko Haram terrorists suicide bombers attempted to attack innocent Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) fetching water at a borehole located about 3 kilometres on the outskirts of Monguno town along Marte Road,” the army said.
“Our vigilant troops detected and gunned them down, killing two instantly. Unfortunately, the explosive they were strapped with exploded and injured two civilians nearby,” it said.
Usman said the injured persons were evacuated and receiving medical attention at the 8 Task Force Division’s medical facility, while the third suicide bomber, who followed a different route, detonated at some distance before troops deployment along the same road at about 7.10 am.
“Troops have cordoned off the general area and imposed a restriction of movement into Monguno while they make the area safe,” he added.
Usman also added that troops of the 118 Task Force Battalion, 8 Task Force Division sprang a surprised ambush on some elements of Boko Haram terrorists along Gerere junction in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State early yesterday morning.
“The Boko Haram terrorists were suspected to be fleeing from the advancing troops of 119 Task Force Battalion presently mopping the general area of Kangarwa in Kukawa Local Government Area.
“During the operation, the troops killed four Boko Haram terrorists carrying logistics items.
The troops recovered 48 jerry cans containing 1,440 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), eight motorcycles, out of which two were destroyed, 21 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, two AK-47 rifles, an unprimed improvised explosive device and a 36 Henagar hand grenade, as well as assorted drugs,” the army spokesman said.
He added, however, that one of the military vehicles and communications equipment were badly damaged during the gun battle with the terrorists.
“The troops have continued to intensify vigilance and high level of alertness following concerted efforts of clearing the remnants of the terrorists,” he said.
