By Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri
Six Boko Haram suicide bombers were Sunday night killed in a foiled attack on Maiduguri which led to 15 deaths, while 83 people were injured. A Nigerian soldier was also killed in the attack.
The military, in a statement by the spokesman of the counter-insurgency operation in the North-east, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu said: “Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole deployed in the Cashew plantation around Bille Shuwa and Alikaranti villages have quashed an attempt by Boko Haram terrorists to penetrate Maiduguri metropolis yesterday at about 8.10 pm.
“The insurgents met with stiff resistance of troops who killed six of the insurgents and neutralized seven suicide bombers in the encounter.
“The troops also recovered two AK 47 rifles and two magazines. The Nigerian Police Explosive Ordinance Disposal team have detonated two IED vests recovered from the killed suicide bombers beaten by the troops and unable to force their way into the metropolis. The insurgents retreated and callously resorted to attacking locals who, reacting to the encounter were fleeing in confusion from Bille Shuwa and Alkaranti villages with Person Borne Improvised Explosive Device.”
According to Nwachukwu, “Sadly, 15 persons including a soldier have so far been confirmed dead in the encounter, while about 83 persons who suffered varying degrees of injuries are receiving due medical attention.
“Troops are still on the trail of the insurgents.”
Details later…
